Degenerative Disc Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, your physician will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam to check for limitations in movement, problems with balance, pain, loss of reflexes in the extremities, muscle weakness, loss of sensation or other signs of neurological damage. Diagnostic tests start with x-rays, which allow your doctor to rule out other problems, such as tumors and infections. An MRI will be taken to enable to assess the degree of disc degeneration, especially any loss of disc height. In some cases a test called a discography, which involves injecting contrast dye into the affected disc (or discs), is used to create a clearer image.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical degenerative disc disease treatment involves prescribing pain relief medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory agents, and muscle relaxants. Temporary bed rest may also be suggested, however, patients are generally encouraged to get up and gradually resume their activities.
Physical therapy is also prescribed for patients who can benefit from it. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, and extension exercises help maintain the spine’s natural curve. Hot/cold therapy and gentle massage can also be beneficial for low back pain.
Surgical Treatment
If the surgeon discovers that one or more of the vertebral discs are damaged and are causing back or leg pain or other symptoms (e.g., weakness in muscles, numbness, “pins and needles,” and burning), surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure is likely to include a discectomy (removal of the degenerated disc) and interbody fusion (fusing together of the vertebrae above and below the removed disc). For these type of surgeries, we often use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, which result in speedier recoveries, lower risk, reduced pain, and less damage to healthy tissue.
Another option is implanting an artificial disc, made of metal and plastic, to maintain mobility of the spine. An artificial disc is most commonly used in lumbar spinal surgery, but we will weigh the benefits of implanting an artificial disc against performing spinal fusion. In recent years, cervical disc replacement surgery has emerged as a surgical technique to maintain neck mobility.
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