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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Disc And Joint Disease

my husband was told he has degenrative disc and joint decese, hes had this for a few years and lived with it but now its acting up more than usual, we dont want to do shots because of how close they are to the brain ,and we dont think that physical therapy will work because its disc one to five that keep coming out of place, he has been going to a ciroprater for two years now we , think he should have surgery but they want us to do shots and therapy ,help
Mon, 26 Jun 2023
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Your husband is suggested to get X-ray, CT or MRI. These tests can show the state and alignment of your disks. He should get NCV tests done to detect compressed or damaged nerves. Muscle weakness or shrinking or atrophy is indicative of nerve damage or degenerated disks.

It is treated with Physical therapy as stretching and strengthening exercises are effective. Taking NSAIDS orally is also helpful. Your treating doctor may give steroid injections near your spinal nerves, disk or joints to reduce inflammation and pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy also works well. Hot and cold therapy every 10 to 15 minutes up to three to four times per day helps to reduce soreness and inflammation.

Surgery is recommended only if there is persistent pain or weakness and there is little or no response to the non surgical treatment given. However, even after surgery your husband will need to continue exercising and stretching to keep the back strong and healthy. He is suggested to maintain healthy body weight and should quit smoking, cut on alcohol and addictions if any.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Disc And Joint Disease

Hello, Your husband is suggested to get X-ray, CT or MRI. These tests can show the state and alignment of your disks. He should get NCV tests done to detect compressed or damaged nerves. Muscle weakness or shrinking or atrophy is indicative of nerve damage or degenerated disks. It is treated with Physical therapy as stretching and strengthening exercises are effective. Taking NSAIDS orally is also helpful. Your treating doctor may give steroid injections near your spinal nerves, disk or joints to reduce inflammation and pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy also works well. Hot and cold therapy every 10 to 15 minutes up to three to four times per day helps to reduce soreness and inflammation. Surgery is recommended only if there is persistent pain or weakness and there is little or no response to the non surgical treatment given. However, even after surgery your husband will need to continue exercising and stretching to keep the back strong and healthy. He is suggested to maintain healthy body weight and should quit smoking, cut on alcohol and addictions if any. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician