How long have you been experiencing that back pain? Do you also suffer from persistent discomfort and limitations in mobility? If so, you may be one of the millions of people living with spinal degeneration. Basically, spinal degeneration refers to the gradual breakdown of the spine’s structure and function, which can often result in a wide range of symptoms and various challenges. But in order to make sure that you’re indeed dealing with spinal degeneration, you need to seek a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Spinal MRI is the most common tool used to diagnose spinal degeneration.
Explore the specialized spine MRI services provided by Biomed Scan to understand the root causes of back pain. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Today, let’s learn what best treatment options can help you deal with the issue and live with spinal degeneration.
Physical Therapy
Any exercises and techniques that are designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall function of the spine can do the job. Working with a skilled physical therapist can definitely help you finally regain mobility, ease the pain, and enhance your quality of life. Through tailored exercise programs, physical therapy aims to target specific areas affected by spinal degeneration. These exercises not only strengthen muscles but also promote better posture and alignment, easing strain on the spine.
Pain Management Techniques
Living with spinal degeneration often entails dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis. While medication can provide some relief, it’s essential to explore various pain management techniques to improve overall quality of life. One effective method is physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to alleviate pain and enhance mobility in the affected areas. Mind-body practices such as yoga, deep breath exercises, and meditation have also been shown to be beneficial for managing spinal degeneration-related pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. These practices not only help alleviate physical symptoms but also contribute to mental well-being.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Now, let’s take a glimpse into what procedures your physicians may offer. If the issues aren’t that bad, you don’t need to go through extensive surgery. Minimally invasive procedures can do the job just fine, offering a less disruptive approach to treating spinal degeneration. These techniques involve smaller incisions, resulting in reduced scarring and faster recovery times for patients. One common minimally invasive procedure is lumbar decompression, which aims to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Another minimally invasive option is vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, which is used to stabilize fractured vertebrae caused by degenerative conditions like osteoporosis. In these procedures, bone cement is injected into the spine to provide support and pain relief.
Surgical Intervention
However, when everything fails, surgical intervention may be considered as a last resort. Surgery aims to manage and alleviate pressure on the affected nerves or stabilize the spine to reduce pain and improve mobility. There are different types of surgical procedures available depending on the specific needs of each individual. Some common surgeries for spinal degeneration include discectomy, spinal fusion, laminectomy, and artificial disc replacement.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Living with spinal degeneration can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your life. By incorporating physical therapy, pain management techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical intervention when necessary, you can take control of your condition. However, one of the most crucial aspects of managing spinal degeneration is making lifestyle changes. You see, simply maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce strain on your spine.
This is especially true if you also try practicing good posture habits, staying active with low-impact exercises like swimming or walking, and avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms.
