- Intervertebral discs provide a smooth cushion between vertebrae. These discs lose volume, allowing vertebrae to rub together, causing painful inflammation.
- Most people develop minor intervertebral disc degeneration between the ages of 30 and 50. Injuries of the neck and back can cause degenerative changes before the age of 30.
- Numbness or weakness in limbs, shoulder or chest pain, tingling in hands, feet, legs and arms are symptoms of degenerative disc disease. In severe cases, a patient may have problems walking and controlling his bladder or bowels. Some people never develop symptoms.
- Discuss physical therapy with gentle stretching and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as treatment for early symptoms, with your doctor.
- According to Spine-Health, surgery may not provide pain relief. Surgical risks include nerve root damage, infection and loss of bowel and bladder control.
- The American Geriatrics Society states that opiate medications may be safer for patients who are over 60 and suffering from chronic pain caused by degenerative disc disease.
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