Taking Care of Your Spine With Degenerative Disc Disease

Roughly one-third of people ages 40–59 are dealing with at least some level of disc degeneration. And since your discs cushion your spine, this is an uncomfortable way to live.

Fortunately, as an expert in degenerative disc disease, Patrick S Hill, MD, helps people with this issue find relief. From our Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California office, Dr. Hill and our team first find out if your neck or back pain comes from this condition. If it does, we tailor a plan to ease your discomfort and help you care for your spine.

We customize that plan to the person, the state of their degenerating disc, and other factors like their lifestyle. That said, we generally recommend these five steps to everyone who has degenerative disc disease. 

#1: Strengthen your core

When the muscles surrounding the degenerating disc are stronger, they can better support that part of your spine. This lessens the pressure on your disc and can help to moderate your pain. 

Dr. Hill recommends specific strengthening exercises based on the part of your spine with the problem disc. Some people benefit from focusing on their lumbar spine (i.e., lower back), while others work on their neck and shoulders. 

#2: Stretch

Stretching can lessen your degenerative disc disease pain while supporting your mobility and flexibility. That doesn’t just mean stretching your back or neck, either. Other movements — like hamstring stretches — also help. 

#3: Stay mobile

While pain in your back or neck may make it tempting to stay sedentary, movement is actually good for your body. When you get moving, you encourage circulation, sending oxygen and nutrients throughout your body—including your spine. 

Aim for at least 30 minutes of low-impact exercise (e.g., walking, cycling, swimming, yoga) daily. 

#4: Choose ergonomic furniture

The furniture you sit on can help support your spine—or it can force you into positions that aggravate it. When you have degenerative disc disease, choosing ergonomic furniture and being mindful of how you sit are particularly important. 

If you work an office job, this guide can help you create a workspace that helps you care for your spine. 

#5: Explore surgery when it’s time

You have plenty of pain management tools, from hot and cold packs to over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain from your degenerative disc disease becomes unmanageable, it’s time to talk to Dr. Hill. 

With surgery, Dr. Hill can alleviate your pain and restore your quality of life. Usually, he recommends a discectomy — the removal of the damaged part of the disc — paired with disc replacement or spinal fusion. 

If your pain is affecting your life, don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. Hill about your surgical options. Call our office or schedule your appointment online today.