Spinal degeneration is a common condition. The disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Depending on the stage of the disease, doctors will prescribe an appropriate, safe treatment method that not only helps reduce pain but also improves quality of life.
Diagnosing spinal degeneration
In addition to checking external clinical symptoms of pain, to make an accurate diagnosis, doctors will require patients to undergo imaging procedures for precise evaluation, specifically:
X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine to help doctors assess the condition of the vertebrae, discs, and nerve roots.
Combined with other tests aimed at ruling out other causes of spinal pain, such as spinal tuberculosis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Performing electromyography to measure electrical activity in the nerves while the patient is at rest and while the arm muscles are contracting.
Treatment methods for spinal degeneration
1. At-home palliative care
When experiencing pain, patients with spinal degeneration can try measures such as:
Using over-the-counter pain relievers: Patients can reduce pain using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Physical activity: Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, and hanging from a bar can help maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
Improving sitting, walking, and standing posture.
Physical therapists will guide patients through appropriate exercises to do at home.
When experiencing pain, patients should rest and limit movement, as excessive activity may worsen the condition.
2. Alternative treatment methods
In addition to home care measures, patients can apply alternative treatment methods to control and reduce symptoms, such as:
Acupuncture
Spinal manipulation
Gentle massage
Ultrasound therapy
Shockwave therapy
3. Medical treatment
When pain persists and becomes increasingly uncomfortable, doctors may prescribe:
Prescription pain relievers.
Muscle relaxants to reduce spasms.
Nerve pain medications.
Oral or injectable steroids, used when the patient experiences severe pain. However, since steroids can cause many side effects, doctors generally try to limit their use in treatment.
4. Surgical treatment
Doctors will recommend surgery when patients experience severe, prolonged pain that does not respond to medical treatment. When the degeneration worsens and compresses the nervous system, leading to severe paralysis, surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Endoscopic spine surgery is a widely applied treatment method today. It is an advanced, minimally invasive form of spinal surgery that can help shorten recovery time, reduce pain, and make post-operative care easier compared to traditional spinal surgery methods. In addition, this method also helps patients maintain a normal range of spinal motion after surgery.
Endoscopic spine surgery at the General Surgery Department of HIU Hospital is also one of many modern, highly effective treatment methods, restoring gentle mobility and quality of life to thousands of patients. With close, coordinated collaboration between the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Functional Exploration, the General Surgery Department, and the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, patients with spinal degeneration receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific condition and health status, helping to shorten treatment time and minimize costs.