How do you treat disc space narrowing?

How do you treat disc space narrowing?

Nonsurgical Treatment Pain control focuses on reducing pain from the damaged disc and helping you return to your daily activities. Methods of pain control may include anti-inflammatory medications, manual manipulation, steroid injections, electrical stimulation, back braces or heat/ice therapy.

Is disc space narrowing serious?

Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent: Numbness. Weakness. Balance problems.

Does disc space narrowing require surgery?

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.

How serious is narrowing of the spine?

While the narrowing of the spine can cause pain, it usually doesn’t cause paralysis. However, if a spinal nerve or the spinal cord is compressed for a long period of time, permanent numbness and/or paralysis is possible.

What causes narrowing disc space?

Degenerative Changes Are the Leading Cause of Spinal Narrowing. Age-related degeneration is the leading cause of spinal narrowing. With age, wear, tear and daily stresses, the vertebrae, spinal discs and soft tissues undergo changes that tighten the open spaces within the spine.

Can laser surgery help degenerative disc disease?

Lasers can treat some patients, but only for certain conditions. Experts rarely recommend using a laser for people with degenerative spine disease, for instance.

Does disc degeneration get worse over time?

Will Discs Get Worse With Age? For a vast majority of degenerative disc disease sufferers, the condition will eventually resolve itself. For a select few, however, the condition will continue to get worse and lead to reduced range of motion throughout the aging process.

Can narrowing of the spine be fixed?

Spinal stenosis can’t be cured but responds to treatment. “Unfortunately, nothing can stop the progression of spinal stenosis, since it is due to daily wear and tear,” said Dr. Hennenhoefer. “The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically respond to conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections.”