From the Research
Mild degenerative disease of the spinal cord is best managed with a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, prioritizing symptom management and quality of life, as evidenced by the most recent study on the fundamentals of intervertebral disc degeneration 1. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, maintain mobility, and prevent further degeneration.
- Non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours as needed) or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (400-600mg three times daily with food) can be used for pain and inflammation management.
- Physical therapy is essential, focusing on core strengthening exercises and proper posture techniques, typically 2-3 sessions weekly for 6-8 weeks, as supported by the study on physical therapy for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2.
- Daily gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like swimming or walking for 20-30 minutes can help maintain mobility, as suggested by the study on the role of physical therapy and occupational therapy in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 3.
- For muscle spasms, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine (5-10mg at bedtime) may provide short-term relief.
- Heat therapy for 15-20 minutes several times daily can relieve stiffness, while cold packs can reduce inflammation during flare-ups.
- Weight management is crucial, as excess weight increases spinal stress, and understanding the pathophysiology of degenerative disc disease is important in developing innovative techniques to reverse the degenerative processes in the discs 1. It is essential to note that while the provided studies primarily focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the principles of symptom management and maintaining quality of life can be applied to mild degenerative disease of the spinal cord, with the most recent and highest quality study on intervertebral disc degeneration 1 guiding the approach to managing degenerative changes in the spinal discs and vertebrae.