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Degenerative Disc Disease Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. In between the bones there are discs. They act like shock absorbers. The discs have a spongy middle and over time it can dry out. Then, the disc becomes weaker. It may collapse and cause the bones of the spine to become closer together. This is called degenerative disc disease. ‚  
When you move, the tissues that are weak may get sore and cause pain. Sometimes, there is no pain at all when the discs get worn. Only a very small number of people with this problem will need surgery. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Rest. Avoid activities that make the problem worse.
  • Ice may help with pain. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your lower back or neck for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns. Sometimes alternating heat and ice can lessen pain.
  • Wear a back or neck brace if the doctor suggests you wear one.
  • If you are having trouble walking, use a cane, walker, or crutches to help you get around. This will lower your chance of falling or getting hurt.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) or a chiropractor for treatments to lessen pain and to learn the right exercises to do.
  • If you do not get better with treatment, your doctor may need to send you to an orthopedic surgeon.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling

The doctor may give you a shot to help with pain and swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem get better. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Long-term back pain
  • Loss of feeling or movement in the legs, feet, arms, or hands
  • Weight gain, less muscle strength and flexibility, weaker bones
  • Need for surgery
  • Infection
  • Loss of bowel and bladder function
  • Long-term spinal cord injury. This is rare.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
  • Heated muscles stretch better than cool muscles. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
  • Use good posture.
  • Use proper ways to lift and bend:
    • Spread your feet apart so you have a good base of support. Then, bend with your knees when you pick up something from the ground.
    • When lifting and moving an object, keep your back straight. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. Do not twist. Instead, move your feet to the direction you are going.
  • Take breaks often when seated for long periods of time. Get up and walk around from time to time.
  • If you stand for long periods, put one leg up on a small stool for a while. Then, change legs.
  • If you sleep on your side, put a pillow in between your knees to keep your back and legs in a good position.
  • Keep a healthy weight.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • More pain or numbness in your leg, foot, arm, or hand
  • Loss of control of urine or stools
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or numbness in my leg, foot, arm, or hand.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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