Degenerative disc disease treatment generally can be accomplished with a regimen of medically accepted, scientifically proven methods. The pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and other symptoms associated with spinal nerve compression caused by a deteriorating intervertebral disc normally can be managed with pain medication, exercise, stretching, and physical therapy. For various reasons, though, not every patient experiences the same amount of relief from a well-coordinated regimen of conservative treatment prescribed by a physician. However, rather than resorting to spine surgery to correct the problem, many people first give some attention to the many alternative and complementary methods of treatment that have become popular over the years.

An Open Mind is Necessary when Considering Alternative Treatments

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a comprehensive study conducted in 2007 by the National Health Interview Survey showed that about 38 percent of American adults use some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional treatment, while alternative medicine is, as the name implies, used instead of conventional medical methods.

There are a number of alternative or complementary methods available for degenerative disc disease treatment. Some of these methods have gained greater popular acceptance than others, but one common thread is that the efficacy of all of them remains up for debate in the larger scientific community. The most important consideration to keep in mind when exploring complementary or alternative methods is that they should be used only after discussing the potential risks and side effects with a doctor.

Types of Alternative and Complementary Treatments

In addition to herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and botanical medicines, the roster of complementary and alternative treatment methods includes:

– Chiropractic manipulation – the use of the hands to mobilize, adjust, or stimulate the spine and/or surrounding tissues.

– Acupuncture – an ancient Chinese and Japanese practice based on the theory that a “life force” called Qi (chee) flows through channels in the body. Thin needles inserted at locations in these channels are used to “unblock” the “life force” to relieve pain and restore health.

– Acupressure – based on the same principles as acupuncture, but the hands, elbows, or feet are used instead of needles to “unblock” the channels of Qi.

– Massage – strong pressure applied to deep tissues is used to relieve tightness within the fascia, which are sheaths of tissues that cover the muscles.

– Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – mild electrical impulses are used to stimulate the production of pain-dampening endorphins within the spinal fluid.

When to Consider Surgery

More than 90 percent of people who undergo degenerative disc disease treatment are able to manage their symptoms without surgery. Not everyone is so fortunate, however. About 10 percent of patients experience no improvement after several weeks or months of conservative or alternative treatment. When this is the case, it is vital to seek a second and third opinion about the prognosis, and to be absolutely certain that any and all non-surgical methods of symptom management have been considered.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/degenerative_disc_disease/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of degenerative disc disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Degenerative disc disease