Question
I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?
Answer
Degenerative disc disease is part of the 'wear and tear' of the spine that occurs with age and use. Back pain is very common and best managed with the appropriate medications, exercises to keep your trunk/core muscles toned, regular stretching, and other options. Physical therapy will help direct your recovery, but you need to exercise on a regular basis. Sometimes either heat or ice may help, depending on the pain pattern. Other possibilities include manipulation, massages, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates - and the results of these treatments will vary.
The 'wear and tear' of the body will likely progress with age, but degenerative disc disease is not always painful, as it is more likely to cause stiffness.
Selected cases may benefit from surgery, but most patients need to undergo rigorous non-operative methods first (like those discussed above)to identify what may work before considering surgery.