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Suggest Remedy For Pain And Stiffness When Diagnosed With Disc Degeneration
Question: 11 Disc Degenerations, In the last few days sudden pain and stiffness. What can I do?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Spine degeneration is a common process with age, due to the wear and tear over the years and also genetic factors. In the case of widespread degeneration as in your case surgery wouldn't help as the surgeon has already told you.
So for the current exacerbation measures can include:
-some days of bed rest,
-a neck collar or lumbar support (citing both as you do not mention the location of the pain),
-pain killers like Ibuprofen (keeping in mind possible side effects such as gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, kidney damage with long term use)
Muscle relaxants like flexeril for 7-10 days or heat therapy might be of help as well.
Physical therapy should also be considered further ahead, with exercises to stretch and to help your muscles support the spine and prevent recurrent exacerbations.
At your age considering the increased possibility of osteoporosis and bone fractures an X-ray is recommended for the possibility of a fracture, especially if you have had a recent fall. If the symptoms persist an MRI might be scheduled but hopefully that won't be necessary. Extra care is needed in case there are new symptoms like urinary retension or bilateral weakness of the lower limbs.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Spine degeneration is a common process with age, due to the wear and tear over the years and also genetic factors. In the case of widespread degeneration as in your case surgery wouldn't help as the surgeon has already told you.
So for the current exacerbation measures can include:
-some days of bed rest,
-a neck collar or lumbar support (citing both as you do not mention the location of the pain),
-pain killers like Ibuprofen (keeping in mind possible side effects such as gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, kidney damage with long term use)
Muscle relaxants like flexeril for 7-10 days or heat therapy might be of help as well.
Physical therapy should also be considered further ahead, with exercises to stretch and to help your muscles support the spine and prevent recurrent exacerbations.
At your age considering the increased possibility of osteoporosis and bone fractures an X-ray is recommended for the possibility of a fracture, especially if you have had a recent fall. If the symptoms persist an MRI might be scheduled but hopefully that won't be necessary. Extra care is needed in case there are new symptoms like urinary retension or bilateral weakness of the lower limbs.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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