Can DDD be treated with surgery?
Surgical treatment is an option in cases of severe, debilitating lumbar degenerative disc disease, and is usually only recommended after at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment. Most cases of degenerative disc disease can be managed using nonsurgical methods, and do not require surgery for effective pain relief.
What surgery is best for degenerative disc disease?
A spinal fusion is the most common procedure used for degenerative disc pain. In recent years, artificial disc replacement has become more widely used as devices and surgical methods have improved.
What is the recovery time for spinal fusion surgery?
You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework. It may take 6 months to a year for your back to get better completely.
How long does it take to recover from degenerative disc disease surgery?
It may take four to six weeks to return to all of your usual activities, but surgery often provides almost immediate relief from pain that radiates to the arms or legs.
What does severe degenerative disc disease mean?
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Simply put, degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc.
What is the recovery time for degenerative disc disease surgery?
Who is a candidate for disc replacement?
Generally, good candidates for disc replacement have: Back pain caused primarily by one or two intervertebral discs. No significant facet joint disease or bony compression on nerves. A healthy weight.
Can DDD cause paralysis?
If significant enough, they can cause paralysis of both the upper and lower extremities, though this is extremely rare. In most cases, a patient complains of neck pain associated with radiating pain to one arm. This is caused by compression of a nerve root, rather than the spinal cord itself.
What is end stage degenerative disc disease?
Stage 4: In the end stage or in advanced degenerative disc disease, the intervertebral disc degenerates and the disc space collapses resulting in herniation of the inner disc material through the disc wall. MRI or a CT scan may also reveal visible changes in the bony portion of the neighboring vertebrae.
How painful is a spinal fusion?
Depending on the location and extent of your surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort but the pain can usually be controlled well with medications. After you go home, contact your doctor if you exhibit signs of infection, such as: Redness, tenderness or swelling.