Hello,
The degenerative
disc disease is a condition where the water is lost from the
intervertebral disc. Due to which there is degeneration, herniation, prolapse etc.
During this , there will be a adjacent
nerve root compression and the symptoms follow the course of the nerve. It occurs due to weakness of the paraspinal muscles of the spinal column.
The disc degeneration can occur at any level from cervical to lumber.
As you were diagnosed with Cervical disc degeneration at 4 levels I would like to know what are the services of them? Are they entering the canal and leading to parasis or paralysis of the muscles below the levels of injury.
If not then it can still be treated conservatively. Using soft
cervical collar and hot water fermentation will help reduce the spasm of the muscles and also will help stabilize the spinal column.
Once the pain level falls below 6-7 in visual analogue
pain scale of 0-10 then exercise can begin. Also
physiotherapy modalities like Therapeutic
ultrasound and TENS therapy will help reduce pain and inflammation.
Once the muscles of the neck becomes strong the compression over the nerve can be released and the symptoms will reduce. Same has to be followed for the lower back.
In my clinical practice of over 12 years, most cases with degenerative disc disease respond well to conservative therapy under a physiotherapist and combination of pain killers.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist