If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, it is essential to know what to expect if the condition progresses to your neck. At One Accord Physical Therapy, we have found that patients feel more empowered to make informed decisions when educated about their condition. Gain the tools to treat your condition by learning how degenerative disc disease affects your neck and what you can do about it.
Degenerative disc disease is a fairly common condition frequently described as arthritis of the spine. As you move about daily, the discs between the vertebrae in your spine help absorb shock and keep you flexible. Much like the rest of your body, the standard abilities of your vertebrae and discs will decline with age. Sadly, there are far-reaching consequences for ignoring this often-painful condition. If not treated, the condition can worsen and move into your nerves and your neck.
In some instances, degenerative disc disease is asymptomatic. For those who do experience symptoms, the condition can be painful and life-altering. If degenerative disc disease progresses to the neck, symptoms can include:
As with other health conditions, treatment options for degenerative disc disease will depend entirely on the areas of concern, as well as your symptoms and their severity. Typical treatments will include over-the-counter pain medication to help minimize pain and surgical intervention for more severe cases. If you are looking to avoid the use of drugs or surgery, your unique treatment plan may include a combination of the following:
If your symptoms are unnoticeable or are minimal enough for you to manage independently, regular treatment may not be necessary. At One Accord Physical Therapy, our experts can teach you techniques to continue your treatment at home. No matter how your symptoms present themselves, it is best to seek the advice of a professional who specializes in degenerative disc disease before formulating a treatment plan.
If you have degenerative disc disease, having the tools to make informed decisions about your treatment is well worth your time. Let the experts at One Accord Physical Therapy help you develop a drug-free treatment plan that works for you and your unique situation. For a free consultation, give us a call or schedule an appointment with our convenient online scheduling tool today.
