What can be done for severe spinal degeneration?

Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen the right muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups. Lifestyle modifications, such as changing your posture, losing weight or giving up smoking, can sometimes help reduce stress on the damaged disc and slow down further degeneration.

How serious is cervical degenerative disc disease?

Cervical disc disease goes beyond just a pain in the neck, though. A degenerative process can cause radiating pain, as well as numbness and weakness in your shoulders, arm, and hand. That discomfort and loss of mobility can have a major impact on your career, family, and quality of life.

What is the treatment for cervical disc degeneration?

Your treatment options for cervical disc degeneration Targeted exercises through physical therapy. Weight loss. Anti-inflammatory medications or injections. Heat and cold therapies.

What can you do for degenerative changes in the cervical spine?

For neck pain stemming from cervical degenerative disc disease, a doctor will typically recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:

  • Rest or lifestyle modification.
  • Pain management with medication or injections.
  • Ice and/or heat therapy.

Can surgery fix degenerative disc disease?

Surgical treatment is an option in cases of severe, debilitating lumbar degenerative disc disease, and is usually only recommended after at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment. Most cases of degenerative disc disease can be managed using nonsurgical methods, and do not require surgery for effective pain relief.

Can degenerative disc disease paralyze you?

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. Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).