If you’ve received a degenerative spine diagnosis, you certainly aren’t alone. The spine’s vertebrae, cushioning discs, and other components deteriorate as we age, often causing uncomfortable symptoms like aches and pains, immobility, muscle weakness, tingling sensations and more. While spinal degeneration is very common, it’s important to consult with your physician about possible treatment options to improve symptoms and slow deterioration.

Degenerative spine treatment options

Your ideal course of degenerative spine treatment will depend on the specific condition that is affecting your spine. For example, therapies for a herniated disc may vary from those of degenerative scoliosis. Broadly speaking, though, there are several common treatments that most degenerative spine patients can benefit from. These include:

• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that stabilize the spine while improving flexibility and range of motion. It may also increase the nerve space in the spinal column, which can help reduce symptoms of nerve compression.
• Medications — Your physician may suggest over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help control your symptoms. Common medications for degenerative spine conditions include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories and oral steroids.
• Steroid injections — Often referred to as an epidural steroid injection, this treatment involves injecting corticosteroids into the spine to temporarily numb pain.
• Lifestyle changes — An important part of treatment is avoiding habits and activities that put your spinal health at risk, such as poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, smoking, long periods of inactivity and high-impact exercise.

Many people with degenerative spine conditions also choose to supplement clinical treatment with alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments. Be sure to consult with your physician prior to trying an alternative treatment.

Minimally invasive procedures for degenerative spine conditions

In the event that your degenerative spine symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be recommended to stabilize the spine, relieve nerve compression or deaden problematic nerves.

At USA Spine Care, our board-certified surgeons? At USA Spine Care, our board-certified surgeons+ help thousands of patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain each year. Unlike traditional open spine surgeries that usually require extensive cutting and lengthy recovery periods, our procedures are performed on an outpatient basis through a less than 1-inch incision, sparing the muscles from excessive cutting or tearing.

Contact USA Spine Care today to schedule a no-cost MRI review* to learn if you are a candidate for one of our minimally invasive procedures.

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