Causes Of Pain, Tips For Disc Degeneration Treatment And More
How do you experience pain?
The nerves towards the disc space penetrate into the outer portion of the annulus fibrosus. This can become a significant source of back pain, if a tear in the annulus reaches the outer portion and the nerves become sensitized. The nerves on the periphery of the disc can actually grow further into the disc space and become a source of pain.
The nucleus pulposus is the jelly like inner disc material and is made of very inflammatory proteins. In case it comes in contact with the nerve root, it will inflame the nerve root and create pain down the leg (sciatica or radiculopathy). Similarly, if any of the inflammatory proteins within the disc space leak out to the outer annulus and touch the pain fibers in this area, it can create a lot of low back pain.
Root of Pain
Generally, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is thought to stem from two different factors:
Inflammation
Abnormal micromotion instability
Inflammation can be caused with the proteins in the disc space, which can lead to low back pain radiating to the hips, which can also travel to the back of legs.
In case the outer rings of the inter-vertebral disc become damaged or worn down, it will not be efficient in resisting motion in the spine. Inflammation and micromotion instability will result in muscular spasm in the lower back. It is a reflex. Although, it may not be necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful.
Disc degeneration Therapy
You can opt for the following disc degeneration treatment given below:
Medical Therapy
Conservative treatment includes back education and back school, exercise, medications, physical modalities, and injections.
Back education
Here, you are given advice and tips on how to manage the back pain. Knowledge of spine anatomy and biomechanics is taught. Back school teaches the patient basic body mechanics, such as the right posture for standing, standing at a desk or drawing board, lifting a weight, getting in and out of bed, etc. Not only this, it will also suggest the proper and improper approaches for sitting, bending forward, lying down, coughing, or sneezing when their back is painful.
Exercise
Different types of exercises are prescribed, depending on each patient's diagnosis. Floor exercises comprise abdominal bracing, modified sit-ups, etc. Swimming exercises give some of the best results. Aerobic exercises strengthen your back muscles, if performed regularly. Relaxation exercises are good for relieving muscular tension that may aggravate back pain.
Medications
These include muscle relaxants, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics.
Physical modalities
Ice packs, heating pads, electrical stimulation, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, relaxation, and biofeedback have are commonly use to relieve pain
Injections
Epidural steroid injections are most commonly used for therapeutic purposes.
The nerves towards the disc space penetrate into the outer portion of the annulus fibrosus. This can become a significant source of back pain, if a tear in the annulus reaches the outer portion and the nerves become sensitized. The nerves on the periphery of the disc can actually grow further into the disc space and become a source of pain.
The nucleus pulposus is the jelly like inner disc material and is made of very inflammatory proteins. In case it comes in contact with the nerve root, it will inflame the nerve root and create pain down the leg (sciatica or radiculopathy). Similarly, if any of the inflammatory proteins within the disc space leak out to the outer annulus and touch the pain fibers in this area, it can create a lot of low back pain.
Root of Pain
Generally, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is thought to stem from two different factors:
Inflammation
Abnormal micromotion instability
Inflammation can be caused with the proteins in the disc space, which can lead to low back pain radiating to the hips, which can also travel to the back of legs.
In case the outer rings of the inter-vertebral disc become damaged or worn down, it will not be efficient in resisting motion in the spine. Inflammation and micromotion instability will result in muscular spasm in the lower back. It is a reflex. Although, it may not be necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful.
Disc degeneration Therapy
You can opt for the following disc degeneration treatment given below:
Medical Therapy
Conservative treatment includes back education and back school, exercise, medications, physical modalities, and injections.
Back education
Here, you are given advice and tips on how to manage the back pain. Knowledge of spine anatomy and biomechanics is taught. Back school teaches the patient basic body mechanics, such as the right posture for standing, standing at a desk or drawing board, lifting a weight, getting in and out of bed, etc. Not only this, it will also suggest the proper and improper approaches for sitting, bending forward, lying down, coughing, or sneezing when their back is painful.
Exercise
Different types of exercises are prescribed, depending on each patient's diagnosis. Floor exercises comprise abdominal bracing, modified sit-ups, etc. Swimming exercises give some of the best results. Aerobic exercises strengthen your back muscles, if performed regularly. Relaxation exercises are good for relieving muscular tension that may aggravate back pain.
Medications
These include muscle relaxants, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics.
Physical modalities
Ice packs, heating pads, electrical stimulation, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, relaxation, and biofeedback have are commonly use to relieve pain
Injections
Epidural steroid injections are most commonly used for therapeutic purposes.
