Getting old is an issue you can never avoid, and as you age, most of your organs become less effective and susceptible to injuries. The degenerative disc is one of the problems that can hurt your plans to age gracefully, as the pain associated with the issue can make you less active and highly dependent. If you are suffering from a degenerative disc in Shrewsbury, you can get help at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine.
How does a degenerative disc come about?
Naturally, when you get older, your body structures become less robust, putting you at a higher risk of degenerative disc issues. Eventually, the issue can worsen, putting you at a higher risk of spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, and radiculopathy, which is associated with pinching and stretching the nerves.
Discs form an essential part of your body system as they help to collect and distribute shock. Their flexible nature makes them absorb and distribute the most shock as you go about your business. The discs appear in a series in the vertebrae, thus stabilizing the spinal column.
Discs, like most body structures, have unique features that make them adaptable to their function. For one, they have a heavy liquid-like substance that, in most cases, helps in the absorption of shock. Additionally, they also have a tough layer that makes them adapted to their function also. However, the structures become weaker and, in some cases, lose most of their fluid. Additionally, unlike other self-generating body organs, the discs do not quickly replace their cells, putting you in a lot of distress.
Do degenerative discs have any symptoms?
Symptoms associated with the condition mostly vary with people. Consequently, other people report pain, while others have little to no pain. However, the condition mostly becomes exacerbated when the nerves start to feel the pinch.
The condition leads to a lot of pain that radiates to most parts of the body, especially the leg. Pain can also reach the arms and neck making you incapacitated. Extreme effects often lead to stiffness and a lack of flexibility when you do not reach your doctor on time.
What types of treatments exist for degenerative disc disease?
Various methods exist to help you gain flexibility and a new chance at life. Your doctor can combine medications, physical therapies and modify your daily activities to achieve the best possible results. However, when ordinary solutions do not function, your doctor can provide the following remedies:
- IDET
- Epidural injections containing steroids
- Simulation of the spinal cord
- Nucleoplasty
Less invasive procedures have their advantages and, in most cases, offer the correct results. Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine can also offer surgical options to improve your everyday life chances.
Surgical options to consider for degenerative disc disease
Surgical options available to help relieve your back include:
- Microdiscectomy
- Endoscopic decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Dekompressor discectomy
Treat yourself to state-of-the-art, less invasive procedures to help ignite your younger years. Get rid of degenerative disc disease with a procedure from the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine by calling or booking a spot online using the scheduling tool.