Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

• With degenerative disc disease, the inflammation and pain is generally associated with pressure being placed on the nerves. Pressure on the nerve can be the result of several changes within the spine. The disc can be herniated, or bulging from the spinal column and pressing on the nerves; or it can be due to cartilage deterioration (osteoarthritis); or the spine canal can be narrowed, pressing on the spinal cord (spinal stenosis).
  
  This inflammation can be alleviated with different anti-inflammatory medications, like acetaminophen or with the standard ice pack or heating pad. For many individuals, simply taking over the counter medications can alleviate any pain associated with the disease. There are herbal combinations, including green tea, ginger, turmeric and rosemary, which can help alleviate the inflammation.
  
  

Stretching Exercises

• Stretching the muscles surrounding the affected area is highly recommended. Injured areas within the body need fresh blood flow and oxygen to help the healing process. Stretches can help move the blood through the area to help oxygenate the inflamed area and reduce the pain. Stretches should include pelvic tilts, which can engage the lower back muscles to help alleviate the pain, if the affected area is in the lower back. For upper back and neck areas, stretches should include rolling of the shoulders and head to warm up the trapezius muscles and help increase blood flow.
  
  Yoga offers many different stretches and exercises which can help individuals dealing with degenerative disc disease. However, individuals should consult their physicians before beginning any new exercise program to ensure that the program is complimentary to their healing.
  
  

Surgery

• While most spinal physicians will avoid back surgery and attempt to treat degenerative disc disease with alternative methods, in some cases, surgery is necessary. Surgery is typically used to either replace the damaged disc with an artificial disc or by artificially fusing the vertebra. If the degenerative disc disease is related to a herniated disc, an artificial disc may replace the diseased one. This can alleviate the pressure on surrounding nerves. If the degenerative disc disease is associated with osteoarthritis, fusing the affected vertebra can stabilize the spine and decrease the chance of further injury.