DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is actually not a disease at all, but rather, is a condition that consists of symptoms of back or neck pain caused by natural wear and tear of the spine over time. There are two main factors that contribute to pain associated with degenerative disc pain:

Inflammation: swelling surrounding the spinal structures that causes tension of the muscles or localized tenderness of the neck or back.
Abnormal micro-motion instability: direct motions between vertebrae that cause both tension and irritation of nearby muscles, nerves, or joints which result in intense bouts of pain.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Chronic, low-grade pain is the most common symptom associated with degenerative disc disease. This pain will radiate outward from the degenerating disc, and may also occasionally cause sudden bursts of debilitating pain. This flash of severe pain may be the result of an aggravation of the disc, possibly caused by some sort of strenuous activity or particular positioning.

Another common symptom is a feeling similar to the neck or back giving out as if it can no longer support itself. This may also cause the spine to lock up for a short time, making mobility incredibly difficult.

Diagnosis

There are several methods used in diagnosing degenerative disc disease such as:

• Review of the patient’s medical history

• A physical exam

• Imaging tests

Treatment Options near Dallas, TX

Once a case of degenerative disc disease has been diagnosed, the physician will advise some sort of treatment. For mild cases, simple pain management techniques can help to relieve an individual’s symptoms, but in more severe cases a surgical procedure may be necessary.

Typical pain management practices to try for degenerative disc disease include:

• Cold treatments to reduce inflammation

• Heat therapy to soothe muscle spasms and tension

• Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, or aspirin

• Use of a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit

• Manual manipulation such as chiropractic care

• Steroid injections

Contact Rehab4Work

If you have suffered an injury at work that has led to the development of degenerative disc disease, our providers can help you not only recover from this injury, but also complete all necessary paperwork to ensure that you receive the full benefits entitled to you. Call (972) 677-7005 or request an appointment online to begin working with our rehabilitation specialists!