Chiropractor Fitchburg Wi | Disc Degeneration: Knowledge Is Power
When you hear the words, "disc degeneration," all kinds of mental images go through your head
. It is only natural to be a little scared about the diagnosis. It is also normal to have a ton of questions. That is why it is best to take someone with you to the doctor or chiropractor. They can help you remember what is said and what needs to be done.
What is Degenerative Disk Disease? -
Degenerative disk disease usually starts off with a twisting injury to the back. The compromised disk causes lower back pain and is fairly common among people between the ages of 30 - 50 years old.
In fact, it is estimated that 30% of people in this age group will have some disc degeneration, although not all will have pain. Sometimes, it is referred to as normal wear and tear of the back.
What are the Symptoms? -
In the majority of cases, patients report that the pain is low grade and constant with occasional flare-ups of intense pain. Generally, the pain is in the lower back but has been known to radiate to the hips and the legs. Additionally, patients report the pain is worse when sitting as compared to walking or lying down.
Bending, twisting and lifting normally make the pain worse.
What are the Treatments? -
Different treatment options are available depending upon the severity of the pain. For many people, home treatment is sufficient. This includes:
"Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Advil and Aleve work well to control the occasional flare-ups of pain.
"Rest - Short periods of rest can help acute cases. It is important to note that prolonged bed rest is not recommended. In fact, prolonged bed rest can increase the recovery time.
"Exercise - Studies have shown that the only way to receive long-term treatment for degenerative disk disease is exercise. For best results, consult a qualified doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist for appropriate exercises.
"Weight Loss - Losing weight reduces the amount of stress on the back. This in turn reduces the pain.
"Quit Smoking - Quitting smoking allows you to improve your blood circulation and healing. Studies have shown a close link to chronic back pain and chronic tobacco use.
Some people experience pain that is severe enough to seek professional help. Professional treatment can include:
"Pain Medication - Prescription pain medication or steroid shots can be given.
"Chiropractic Manipulation - A chiropractor can manually manipulate the spine to take pressure off the nerve, restore range of motion, and restore blood flow.
"TENS unit - This is a device that provides electrical stimulation to the muscles. It can override the pain signals sent to the brain from the lower back.
"Massage Therapy - In addition to chiropractic manipulation, therapeutic massage is often used to relax the muscles, improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, raise endorphins, and increase range of motion.
Knowing about disc degeneration is half the battle. Taking action is the other half. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, take action now to improve quality of life.
by: Chris Tomshack
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