Degenerative Therapy in Spine

Degenerative spine conditions—like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease—occur as your spine ages or due to wear and tear. These conditions often lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and nerve compression. Treatment focuses on pain relief, restoring function, and slowing degeneration.

Non-Surgical Therapies

These are usually the first line of treatment:

1. Physical Therapy
   • Core strengthening, stretching, and posture correction
   • Reduces pain and improves mobility
2. Medications
   • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation
   • Muscle relaxants or nerve pain meds
   • Short-term opioid use for severe pain
3. Epidural Steroid Injections
   • Reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
   • Temporary relief, but effective for managing flare-ups
4. Lifestyle Modifications
   • Weight management, smoking cessation
   • Ergonomic adjustments at work/home

Minimally Invasive & Surgical Options

Used if conservative therapy fails after 6–12 weeks or if symptoms worsen:

1. Microdiscectomy – Removes part of a herniated disc pressing on nerves
2. Laminectomy – Relieves pressure in spinal stenosis by removing bone
3. Spinal Fusion – Stabilizes spine by fusing vertebrae
4. Artificial Disc Replacement – Maintains motion, alternative to fusion
5. Endoscopic Spine Surgery – Less invasive, quicker recovery