In rare cases, the desiccation is so severe that a fusion operation is recommended to help limit movement at the source of the disc height loss. Patients rarely need this level of medical intervention, especially when the condition is caught in its early stages.
When is surgery needed for degenerative disc disease?
If back or neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease doesn't respond to medication or therapeutic injections, NYU Langone doctors may recommend a surgical procedure. Surgeons may remove some or all of a damaged disc, take pressure off a pinched nerve, or eliminate movement between the bones of the spine.
Can degenerative disc disease heal without surgery?
Degenerative disc disease is relatively common in aging adults, and, as a reassurance, it seldom requires surgery. When medical attention is needed, the majority of patients respond well to non-surgical forms of treatment, and recovery occurs in about six weeks.Mar 22, 2017
Is disc desiccation a disability?
Disc desiccation can lead to limited range of motion as well as stiffness, numbness, pain, and weakness at the desiccation source. This can be life-altering. If you are able to provide the proper medical evidence, you are able to qualify for disability benefits.
How do I restore a desiccation disc?
- Medication. Pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain.
- Massage therapy. Relaxing the muscles near the affected vertebrae can help relieve painful pressure.
- Physical therapy. ...
- Spinal injections.
Can you reverse disc desiccation?
While degenerative disc disease can be slowed down and potentially reversed, it's not a quick fix or process. As the effects of disc degeneration are cumulative and occur gradually over time, chiropractic treatment would focus on lessening the stress on the joints to facilitate structural changes.
Can you rehydrate your discs?
3. Spinal Rehydration. For regular exertion and most healthy bodies, the discs rehydrate during the night with the water you've consumed. This process is called intradiscal fluid exchange because it replaces the old fluids with new hydration.
Can damaged spinal discs regenerate?
Unlike other tissues of the body, the disc has very low blood supply. Once a disc is injured, it cannot repair itself, and a spiral of degeneration can set in with three stages that appear to occur over 20 to 30 years: Acute pain makes normal movement of the back difficult.
Is it possible to rehydrate spinal discs?
Our discs will successfully rehydrate themselves during the night, and also during the day with good movement, as long as there are adequate water levels within the body. When there is not enough water available to fully hydrate the gelatinous center, the whole disk becomes compromised.Oct 27, 2015
Does drinking water help degenerative disc disease?
Drinking water and keeping properly hydrated in general supports disc health, and the best way to help with degenerative disc disease is through prevention, including drinking water. Exercises for your back and maintaining a healthy body weight will also help prevent or mitigate degenerative disc disease.Feb 19, 2021
Can you fix disc desiccation?
Spinal injections. In rare cases, you may need spinal surgery. One type, called spinal fusion surgery, involves permanently joining two vertebrae. This can help to stabilize your spine and prevent movements that cause pain. Other options include disc replacement or adding another kind of spacer between your vertebrae.Nov 1, 2017
How can I strengthen my discs?
- Let your spine really rest while sleeping. ...
- Exercise your core to strengthen abs and back muscles. ...
- Your shoes need to support your spine. ...
- Enjoy the benefits of massage. ...
- Practice good ergonomics while sitting—and limit total sitting time. ...
- Learn more: