Answer: Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease , and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms. Once your discs begin to degenerate, you can’t really reverse the process.
Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis . Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
Can my neck degeneration be reversed?
Answer: Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease , and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms. Once your discs begin to degenerate, you can’t really reverse the process.
What causes degenerative disc disease in your neck?
Neck pain can be caused by cervical (neck) disc degeneration. The spinal discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, allowing the spine and neck to bend and twist. A fall or injury can cause degeneration of the discs, but the most common cause is wear and tear over time .
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen.
- Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
- Corticosteroid injection into the disc space.
- Prescription pain medication.
Does drinking water help degenerative disc disease?
Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain .
How can I sleep with degenerative disc disease in my neck?
The best sleeping positions for neck pain are usually side sleeping or sleeping on your back . You’ll also want your pillow to be the right thickness such that it doesn’t cause you to bend your head too far forward if you’re sleeping on your back or too far to one side if you’re sleeping on your side.
Does walking help degenerative disc disease?
Aerobic exercise.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or taking a low-impact aerobics class, has been shown to help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility—all important factors in managing DDD.
How should you sleep when you have degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease
Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred , as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.
Will degenerative disc disease get worse?
While it is true that disc degeneration is likely to progress over time, the pain from degenerative disc disease usually does not get worse and in fact usually feels better given enough time.
Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease?
Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease? The answer is yes , even it forces you to be out of work for an extended amount of time. Do not give up. There are many methods of pain relief that you can do at home that can help you live a normal life.
What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?
- Stage 1 – Dysfunction. As the spine begins to deteriorate, its curvature begins to change and show signs of misalignment. ...
- Stage 2 – Dehydration of spinal discs and beginning of spurring. ...
- Stage 3 – Stabilization. ...
- Chiropractic treatment for spinal degeneration.
What vitamins are good for degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc diseases (DJD) can damage the connective tissues as well. Adequate dietary protein, along with vitamins A, B6, C, E and minerals such as zinc and copper are essential for maintaining strong and healthy connective tissue.
How can I prevent degenerative disc disease from getting worse?
- Stop smoking, or better yet, don’t start — smoking increases the rate of desiccation.
- Be active – regular exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of muscles that surround and support the spine.
What happens when a disc completely degenerates?
If the bone spurs compress the spinal cord, affected individuals can develop problems with walking and bladder and bowel control. Over time, a degenerating disc may break down completely and leave no space between vertebrae , which can result in impaired movement, pain, and nerve damage.
What causes degenerative disc disease flare ups?
These flare ups can be caused by a simple action, such as bending over to tie your shoes, or twisting . Or, you can just experience this discomfort without being able to pinpoint the exact cause. You may experience a rise in pain for several days to several weeks before it diminishes.
