Degenerative Disc Disease is a very common spinal condition that affects adults and can lead to continued chronic pain, less flexibility, and mobility problems.
Degenerative Disc Disease is a very common spinal condition that affects adults and can lead to continued chronic pain, less flexibility, and mobility problems. The good news is that if you know what not to do and start to adopt better lifestyle habits, it can help guard your spine, decrease discomfort, and let you continue to live an active life, with pain management as necessary.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs naturally as part of the aging process. Through time, the spinal discs lose fluid and elasticity, which means they can become thinner, bulged or cracked. This degeneration of discs can lessen the amount of padding between the vertebrae and could even cause bone spurs that put pressure on the nerves in the area. It can affect one or many parts of the spine, such as the cervical area (neck), thoracic area (mid-back), and lumbar area (lower back).
The name seems scary; however, degenerative disc disorder is less of a disease and simply a natural wear-and-tear process that our bodies go through. Keeping an eye out for degenerative disc symptoms will help patients get important medical advice in time before it becomes too late. Common Denegerative Disc Symptoms include:
- Continued chronic pain in the neck or back
- Tingling sensations or numbness running in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness or loss of muscle strength
- Great difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, even in severe chronic cases.
These symptoms can vary greatly in intensity, often interfering with daily life and quality of life. Medical evaluation as soon as possible is crucial for the right treatment, especially if you are considering a degenerative disc diagnosis in Delhi NCR or any other centre of specialised healthcare.
I have listed six things to avoid when it comes to degenerative disc disease.
While we can manage the condition with medical advice, there are also lifestyle considerations to take into account. Here are six things you will need to avoid if you are affected by degenerative disc disease:
NOT LIFTING PROPERLY.
Bad lifting methods or attempting to pick up bulky or heavy objects will increase stress on those weakened discs. Ensure you are lifting properly, that is, bending your knees, keeping your back straight and avoiding twisting at all costs.
PARTICIPATING IN HIGH IMPACT SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES.
Football, basketball, running, tennis, or heavy deadlifting activities all place a load on the spine and can quickly wear out your discs in a hurry. Swim or walk rather than run, for example.
SUDDEN TWISTING, AND REPETITIVE TWISTING.
Sports like golf, certain types of dance, and even some yoga positions create excessive rotation that places a high torsional load on the spine. Minimising these types of motions will help prevent them from getting worse.
SITTING TOO LONG.
Long sitting for work, long periods of time driving, and sitting to enjoy TV may lead to more pain and pressure on your spine. Standing up frequently can help!
Slouching And Poor Posture.
Break bad habits that create strain on the spine. Be aware of moving toward an efficient and ergonomically correct sitting and standing position with supportive chairs, straight patterns of alignment, and shoulder awareness.
Unsupportive Sleeping Patterns.
Sleeping on your stomach or using a worn-out, sagging mattress can worsen pain. If you have a medium-firm mattress and sleep on your back or side with a pillow under your knees, this may help.
Lifestyle changes you can implement to help control your symptoms.
- In addition to eliminating the habits listed above, developing healthy routines can help slow the degeneration process.
- Regular walking and swimming will help keep joints mobile and improve circulation in the body.
- Physical therapy improves postural correction and the strength of supporting muscles. This could mean physiotherapy, osteotherapy and/or chiro.
- Quitting smoking to improve circulation for your disc health.
- An anti-inflammatory diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, omega-3 fats, and good hydration.
- Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce excess stress on your spine.
Treatment Options
When lifestyle modifications are not enough, medical care becomes necessary. Treatment options for degenerative disc disease include:
- Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Minimally invasive procedures such as laser-assisted decompression or the DISC procedure
- Bracing for support
- Pain management medications
- Surgery in severe cases
For personalised care, many patients look for degenerative disc diagnosis in Delhi NCR, a major hub for spine care specialists and advanced treatment options. Consulting a spine MRI or PET Scan from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre Pvt. Ltd. ensures early detection, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment strategies.
FAQs
1. What are the early degenerative disc symptoms to watch for?
Mild lower back pain, stiffness, and occasional tingling in the limbs can signal early disc changes. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a spine specialist.
2. How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, patient history, and imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays. Patients looking for a degenerative disc diagnosis in Delhi NCR can access advanced imaging and expert evaluation.
3. Can degenerative disc disease be cured completely?
While disc wear cannot be fully reversed, proper care, treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce pain and prevent further progression.
