Everything You Need To Know About Degenerative Disc Disease

Medications And Injections For Treatment

Individuals affected by degenerative disc disease may need medications and injections to help ease debilitating symptoms and prevent further complications. Because the mechanism of degenerative disc disease causes progressive damage to bones and surrounding tissues, there is a response from the individual's immune system. This response has a result of severe swelling, redness, and inflammation of the affected area. Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and bring down mobility-reducing swelling. For severe cases, stronger narcotic medications may be prescribed for the management of pain. Steroid shots may be useful for degenerative disc disease patients because they deliver medications directly to the affected area. Steroids are effective at mediating the immune system response, effectively reducing inflammation and the results of it. Steroid shots are usually given for degenerative disc disease in the epidural space or fluid-filled region around the spinal cord located in the patient's back. Steroid shots may also be injected into a nearby muscle or nerve.

Keep reading to learn more about how to treat degenerative disc disease now.