What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not a disease at all but a term to describe the normal wear and tear that your spinal discs will undergo as you age. Naturally soft and compressible, spinal discs function as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing you to bend and flex. As a result, degenerative disc disease usually affects the lower back and neck regions and can lead to pain or even extensive nerve damage.
What are the Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Age is the number one cause of degenerative disc disease, but there are some medical and lifestyle choices that can impact the body as well. For example, smoking or years of intense physical labor can aid in the formation of degenerative disc disease. People who are excessively obese could also suffer from this. An acute injury, such as a herniated disc, may impact potential degeneration as well.
What are the Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease?
There are a number of surgical and nonsurgical options at your disposal, including different kinds of medication that your doctor may or may not prescribe to alleviate your pain. Chiropractic physical therapy or braces could also do the trick.
However, surgery might eventually be necessary if your degenerative disc disease has progressed far enough. At this point, spinal fusions and disc replacements are the most common treatment options, but you should see what your doctor has to say first.
How Can You Prevent Degenerative Disc Disease?
Many simple lifestyle changes can help to prevent the future onset of degenerative disc disease. More regular aerobic exercise and heavy lifting with proper form is a good place to start. This workout routine could then aid in bettering your posture and keeping your weight down. If you smoke, you should also eliminate that from your life right away.
Find Out More About Degenerative Disc Disease Today!
You no doubt have many different options when evaluating your back pain, but if you are looking for a degenerative disc disease treatment in Marina Del Rey, the offices of Dr. Hooman M. Melamed can help. Call the SpinePro team of Dr. Hooman M. Melamed to start getting your life back on track.
