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Is Degenerative Disc Disease Curable By Medicine?
Hi, I am a 52 year old female and have been in reasonable good health. Last year I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and surgery was recommended. I haven t opted for the surgery and have been managing well with pain meds when necessary and rest. For about the last 3 weeks I have been experiencing moderate to severe pain in my upper left thigh to the point where I am sometimes unable to walk. Is this due to the problem with my spine?
Wed, 16 Feb 2011
Could be.Degenerative disease are common as the age advances.When you have the history it is more likely,because in case of disc disease it compresses the nerves that passes by and give rise to pain in the area that they supply.so at least visit a orthopedic surgeon and get an x-ray done.After this take regular calcium and do regular exercise to strengthen your back muscles for preventing future occurrence.
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Dear Carolyn,
Well Degenerative disc disease is not something for which you need to get a surgery done until and unless you have some associated spinal issue leading to triggring of red flags for a surgery, which your description does not show.
As far as the pain in the thigh is concerned get yourself evaluated with an orthopaedic physiotherapist in you area first, as he will be in a situation to evaluate you may do an x-ray if needed and provide you relief without any prescription drugs only with the help of Electrotherapy & Manual Therapy & Exercise Therapy sessions leading to posture correction & spinal or conditinoning.
And yes even I would recommend you to take adequate input of Calcium supplemetation with adequate intake of water 8-10 glasses per day. As discs are 90% water so dont let your body dehydrate.
Hoping for a speedy recovery
Dr.Shirish Sachdeva
Orthopaedic & Neurological
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Lifestyle Medicine Counsellor
Well Degenerative disc disease is not something for which you need to get a surgery done until and unless you have some associated spinal issue leading to triggring of red flags for a surgery, which your description does not show.
As far as the pain in the thigh is concerned get yourself evaluated with an orthopaedic physiotherapist in you area first, as he will be in a situation to evaluate you may do an x-ray if needed and provide you relief without any prescription drugs only with the help of Electrotherapy & Manual Therapy & Exercise Therapy sessions leading to posture correction & spinal or conditinoning.
And yes even I would recommend you to take adequate input of Calcium supplemetation with adequate intake of water 8-10 glasses per day. As discs are 90% water so dont let your body dehydrate.
Hoping for a speedy recovery
Dr.Shirish Sachdeva
Orthopaedic & Neurological
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Lifestyle Medicine Counsellor
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