A condition where one or more discs in the spine deteriorates due to age, which results in back or neck pain.
Most commonly noted symptoms are pain in the legs, thighs and buttocks, lower back, neck, weakness, muscle spasms, physical deformity or stiffness.
Caused by wear and tear of the spinal discs. This occurs due to drying out of fluid between discs over time or a tear in the outer wall.
Diagnosis involves physical examination, evaluation of symptoms and taking health history, imaging studies.
? Common treatment options
? How is this diagnosed?
Treatment includes exercise, medication, physical therapy, pain-relieving medication, and surgery.
Analgesics: Used to manage pain.
Ibuprofen . Acetaminophen
Physical therapy: Exercises such as stretching are done to strengthen the muscles surrounding damaged discs and also to improve blood flow and stabilization of the region.
Artificial disc replacement: Procedure which involves replacement of a broken disc with a metal/plastic one.
Spinal fusion: Connecting the affected vertebrae together in order to strengthen the spine.
Decompression: Herniated disc compressing the spinal cord is removed to relieve the compression.
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