Lumbar degenerative disc disease is a common condition that can cause chronic back pain and limited mobility. Fortunately, there are various treatments available to help manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition. At Right Path Pain and Spine Center in Davenport, FL, we can explore different treatment options, ranging from non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, medications, and injections, to surgical interventions like discectomy and spinal fusion.
Understanding the available treatment modalities can empower individuals with degenerative lumbar disc disease to make informed decisions about their healthcare and find the most suitable approach to relieve their pain and improve their quality of life.
How Do You Fix Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?
The treatment options for lumbar degenerative disc disease depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced by the individual. Here are some common approaches to managing and treating lumbar degenerative disc disease:
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options are typically explored first and may include a number of different approaches, which are often used in combination for maximum effectiveness.
Medication
Pain medication, either over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage pain and inflammation. In addition to pain medication, other medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises and stretches can improve strength, flexibility, and stability, reducing your symptoms. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can provide relief. We may also recommend assistive devices such as the use of braces, orthotics, or other assistive devices that may help to support the spine and alleviate symptoms.
Injection Therapy
From steroid injections to nerve blocks, these injections can ease inflammation and shut off pain signals. An epidural steroid injection delivers a steroid into the spine, relieving pain and inflammation. A nerve block involves using our in-depth knowledge of the body’s nervous system to introduce a numbing solution to nerve bundles in order to control pain and identify pain sources.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If conservative treatments are ineffective, minimally invasive procedures may be considered, including:
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to disrupt nerve signals and provide pain relief.
Intradiscal Procedures
These are treatments that involve the injection of substances into the discs to relieve pain and promote healing. This includes stem cell and platelet-rich therapies; powerful, modern therapies which can replace a variety of tissues lost to age or trauma
Spinal Decompression
This involves techniques like laminectomy or discectomy can alleviate pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. A discectomy for lumbar degenerative disc disease is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain and other symptoms caused by a herniated or degenerated disc in the lower back (lumbar spine). The procedure involves the removal of the portion of your herniated disc that is putting pressure on your nerves and therefore causing pain.
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases where conservative and minimally invasive treatments have not been successful, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options may include spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine) or artificial disc replacement (replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to restore function and reduce pain).
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in spinal disorders to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. When you consult us, we will consider your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results to develop a personalized approach to manage your lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Organic Disc Fusion
When your spinal discs can no longer support your vertebrae without pain, portions of your spine may need to be fused for extra support. Rather than use metal, we can now use bone grafts, which generally provide better long-term results.
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure performed to treat degenerative lumbar disc disease and other conditions affecting the spine. In this procedure, the surgeon joins two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts. The goal of spinal fusion is to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and prevent further damage to the affected area.
What Happens During the Surgery?
During the surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged disc or discs between the vertebrae and inserts bone graft material in the space. The bone graft can be taken from the patient’s own body (autograft) or obtained from a donor (allograft). In some cases, additional support such as metal rods, plates, or screws may be used to hold the vertebrae together while the fusion takes place.
Over time, the bone graft fuses with the adjacent vertebrae, creating a solid, immobile segment of the spine. This eliminates motion in the treated area, relieving pain and preventing abnormal movement that can contribute to nerve compression and further degeneration.
Recovery after spinal fusion surgery can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to help regain strength, flexibility, and function in the spine. It’s essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon and attend follow-up appointments for proper healing and monitoring of the fusion site.
How Does Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy Work for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for lumbar degenerative disc disease works by harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells to promote healing and tissue repair. MSCs are derived from various sources, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, and possess the ability to differentiate into different cell types. When injected into the affected area, MSCs can help regenerate damaged disc tissue, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune response.
Additionally, MSCs release growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue regeneration and provide a supportive environment for healing. This innovative therapy shows promise in improving symptoms and potentially slowing down the progression of degenerative lumbar disc disease. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes specialized cells to promote healing and tissue regeneration in the body. Here’s how the process of MSC treatment for lumbar degenerative disc disease works:
Source of MSCs
MSCs can be derived from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat), umbilical cord tissue, or placental tissue. These cells have the unique ability to differentiate into different cell types and possess immunomodulatory properties.
Collection and Isolation
MSCs are obtained from the chosen source through a minimally invasive procedure, such as bone marrow aspiration or liposuction. The collected tissue undergoes processing to isolate and concentrate the MSCs.
Administration
Once isolated, the MSCs are prepared for administration. They can be delivered through various methods depending on the specific condition being treated, such as injection, infusion, or surgical implantation.
Targeted Migration
Once introduced into the body, MSCs have the ability to migrate to the site of injury or inflammation. They can respond to signals released by damaged tissues or inflammatory factors, allowing them to home in on the affected area.
Immunomodulation
MSCs possess immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can modulate the immune response in the body. They can suppress excessive inflammation and regulate immune cell activity, promoting a balanced and controlled healing environment.
Paracrine Effects
MSCs also secrete various bioactive molecules, growth factors, and cytokines that have therapeutic effects. These substances can stimulate tissue repair, promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), reduce scar tissue formation, and enhance local cell survival and regeneration.
Differentiation and Integration
In some cases, MSCs can differentiate into specific cell types depending on the surrounding environment and signals they receive. This differentiation potential allows them to contribute directly to tissue repair and regeneration by generating new cells.
By harnessing the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs, MSC therapy aims to enhance the body’s natural healing processes and facilitate tissue repair. It has shown promising results in various medical fields, including orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, and autoimmune disorders. However, further research is still ongoing to optimize the therapy and determine its effectiveness for specific conditions. It’s important to consult with a medical professional experienced in regenerative medicine to assess the suitability and potential benefits of MSC therapy for individual cases.
Take a First Step Toward Freedom From Pain
The range of treatments available for degenerative lumbar disc disease offers hope and relief to individuals suffering from this condition. Whether through non-surgical interventions or surgical procedures, there are options to address pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Get in touch with us at Right Path Pain and Spine Center in Davenport, FL. By exploring and understanding the available treatments, you can take proactive steps toward managing their lumbar degenerative disc disease and finding the path to a pain-free and active life.
