What can be done for degenerative disc disease in the neck?

What can be done for degenerative disc disease in the neck?

Treatment for DDD of the neck is primarily conservative. The majority of patients with significant pain generally improve with time with non-surgical treatments such as oral medications and/or physical therapy. A short period of immobilization with a soft neck brace (cervical collar) may also be helpful.

Can disc degeneration be reversed?

While disc degeneration can’t be reversed, there is evidence that exercise, lifestyle changes and careful management of your back pain can contribute to better quality of life.

What autoimmune disease causes degenerative disc disease?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease with potential for multisystem involvement that promotes inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the synovial tissue results in stiffness, pain, warmth and swelling of joints.

How long does it take for a degenerative disc to heal?

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.

What happens if degenerative disc disease is left untreated?

Without appropriate treatment, degenerative disc disease can cause lasting, debilitating back pain. The pain may become so severe that you find it difficult to carry out your normal daily activities. It can interfere with your mobility and your overall quality of life.

Can you become paralyzed from a herniated disc?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

Does a herniated disc hurt all the time?

Share on Pinterest Herniated disks can range from causing severe pain to no pain at all. Herniated disks might cause severe pain, but the right treatment can relieve symptoms.

How long can a herniated disc last?

Self care: In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will help your recovery.

How bad is my herniated disc?

How bad the pain is depends on how much of the disc is pressing on the nerve. In most people with herniated discs, the pain spreads over the buttocks and goes down the back of one thigh and into the calf. Some people have pain in both legs. Some people’s legs or feet feel numb or tingly.

What are the signs of a herniated disc in your back?

Symptoms

• Arm or leg pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you’ll typically feel the most pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf.
• Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
• Weakness.