Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs in the spine start to break down. This can cause pain and other problems. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not list degenerative disc disease as a covered condition. However, this does not mean that people with this condition cannot get coverage. The ADA covers many conditions that are not listed explicitly. To get coverage, people with degenerative disc disease need to show that their condition limits their ability to do everyday activities.
Fractured discs between the vertebrae of the spine can cause a variety of symptoms over time. Degenerative disc disease is a type of spinal disorder characterized by the breakdown of cushiony discs. There are numerous causes of nerve and muscle pain, as well as spinal inflexibility, which is the most difficult and common of them all. If you are unable to work due to this condition, you may be eligible for disability. If you submit an initial SSDI application, the SSA will respond to it in 3 to 5 months, after which you will receive a decision. The initial application for disability is frequently denied. Following that, you have the option of appealing the decision.
You should be aware of the warning signs that indicate that you may be denied disability. Does living with disc disease have side effects? It is possible, even if you have been out of work for an extended period of time. You can control pain at home by using a variety of pain-relieving techniques. Exercise and physical therapy can help relieve neck pain and improve range of motion. Degenerative disc disease, which the SSA describes as a disability, is one of the conditions that can lead to disability. It can be difficult to obtain benefits for someone with this condition. If you have a disability, you may want to consider having an attorney or a disability advocate assist you. You can get in touch with an attorney or advocate in your area by completing the Free Disability Evaluation.
Anti-inflammatory medications, manual manipulation, steroid injections, electrical stimulation, back braces, and heat/ice therapy are all examples of alternative pain-relieving methods. Physical therapy is an effective way to stretch and strengthen the right muscles to allow the back to heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups.
In this therapy, growth factors and cytokines extracted from intervertebral discs are combined with additional solutions in order to increase their effectiveness. This supplement contains the necessary supplements to prevent tissue and cell loss associated with disc disease in the lower back.
Degenerative disc disease is commonly characterized by severe, chronic pain that interferes with your daily activities. Our specialists in back and spine care at SSM Health understand how difficult it is to live with pain.
Is Degenerative Disc Disease Considered A Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not consider degenerative disc disease to be a listed disability of its own. Because of its intermittent nature, disc degeneration is often accompanied by a reduction in pain that lasts for months after conservative treatment.
Depending on the severity and frequency of your pain, you might or might not be able to get disability status for your degeneration of the disc. Your insurance company will not consider a single claim, such as a back injury, solely on the basis of a back injury. In general, the insurance company will want to know what specific symptoms you have and how they interfere with your ability to function. Diagnostic procedures for rheumatoid arthritis include x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans as well as spinal imaging tests. Because the thickness of a disc is not comparable to that of other disks in your spine, degeneration of the disc is usually quite visible. A doctor may also determine whether or not you have a condition known as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. If you have been diagnosed with a degenerational disc disease and your symptoms make it difficult or impossible for you to work, we can help you navigate the claims process in New York. Pain management can involve the following: What is a Disability Attorney?
However, there is some good news for those who suffer from a type of degeneration of the discs. There are many ways to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia, and there are many strategies for living a normal life with this condition.
One of the most important things you can do is to take pain-relieving medications as prescribed by your doctor. As a result, you will feel less pain.
You can also consult with your doctor if you require pain relief techniques. Physical therapy, yoga, and meditation are all examples of these disciplines.
Furthermore, keep your level of activity to a minimum. As a result, the disc will be less prone to wear and tear.
Finally, it is critical that you have regular checkups in order to prevent the condition from worsening. It will be useful to discover any potential problems early on.
New Ssa Listing Makes Ddd A Qualifying Disability
Individuals with Dizziness receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Despite the fact that it may qualify for disability benefits under certain conditions, proving your condition meets the SSA’s duration and severity levels can be difficult. DDD is classified as 1.15, which is the term used to describe disorders of the skeletal spine that result in nerve root compromise. The medical criteria for meeting these requirements differ from those used in the previous SSA listing, 1.04 – Neurological Disorder of the Back. As a result of this change, many applicants’ DDDs are now more specific and qualify for it. Your disability eligibility will be determined by the severity of your pain and the frequency with which you experience it. There are people who have DDD who can get by with chronic pain and do not have to miss work due to it. Many people with chronic pain will never recover from it, and they will suffer from long-term disability as a result. Please document your disability and the degree of pain caused by it in order to apply for disability benefits for DWD. You must also answer any questions regarding your medical history and how your condition affected you.
Is Chronic Back Pain A Disability Under The Ada?

To qualify as disabled under the ADA, an individual must have a disability that severely limits one or more major aspects of their lives. Some disabilities include migraines and chronic back pain, diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer.
At least 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Does back pain qualify as a disability under the ADA? It can happen at times, but it should not. In a recent case, it was revealed that not everyone with back pain is disabled and can be accommodated. Even if an ADA accommodation denial is legitimate, you may still face disability bias charges. Do not get too confident after politely declining an employee’s request for an ADA accommodation based on a sincerely held belief that it was unnecessary. It’s still possible to be sued, even if you lose.
His ability to digest food and sleep is severely hampered by esophageal achalasia, which affects his ability to sleep and digest food. The county was sued for failing to accommodate him and discriminating based on his disability. The ADA does not provide for accommodations, according to county officials, so he was not entitled to one.
If you have arthritis in your back or spine, you may experience severe pain and be unable to move. It is possible that any type of spinal condition will impede your ability to function normally on a daily basis. If you are unable to work due to spinal arthritis, you may be able to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Individuals with disabilities as well as those who are recovering from opiate or substance use disorders are not prohibited from being discriminated against under the ADA.
Can You Work If You Have Degenerative Disc Disease?

Working hard for people who have a disc disease can be difficult. Long hours at the desk can make your back feel worse, as can heavy manual labor. Work is rough, but it doesn’t mean that it is impossible to work with degenerative disc disease. You must consider ergonomics in order to do so.
Degenerative disc disease is a medical condition that occurs when discs in the spine become damaged over time. The effects of this can be severe, including numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs. Over time, as we age, our discs may wear out and tear, which is a common cause of disc degeneration. It is critical to have a long-term disability (LTD) insurance plan in place. This benefits package will pay you between 50% and 60% of your salary per month. If you have a severe case of disc disease, you will need to demonstrate that you have been eligible for LTD benefits. It’s critical to provide proof of the difficulties you’ve encountered due to an LTD claim. It is common for insurance companies to deny LTD claims or delay approving them for an extended period of time. Bross has a team of knowledgeable attorneys who are devoted to assisting individuals with disabilities who are unable to work.
If you have low back pain, you should seek immediate medical attention. Almost 90% of patients who have specifically been diagnosed with degeneration of the discs will return to normal activities within three months of treatment, and there are numerous treatments available. Physical therapy can help with the healing process of the back and the reduction of back pain by stretching and strengthening the muscles. It is possible to reduce stress on the damaged disc in some cases through lifestyle changes such as changing your posture, losing weight, or quitting smoking. If you are experiencing persistent or severe pain, you should consult a doctor.
Disability Benefits For Those With Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on your work ability. Nonetheless, if you are severely disabled enough, you may be eligible for disability benefits. To be awarded disability, you must meet a number of medical criteria, which are distinct from those listed on the old SSA website. Degenerative disc disease, which occurs in the skeletal spine and compromise of a nerve root (e.g., laminitis), has now been classified as 1.15.
Is Degenerative Disc Disease A Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) receives disability applications for people suffering from depression, also known as depressive disorder. Even though it is a qualifying disability under certain conditions, you may face difficulty proving it to the SSA due to its duration and severity level.
Back pain claims for long-term disability benefits are more likely than any other type of claim to be paid by the Social Security Administration. Because of back pain, even working at a desk can be difficult, and x-rays or MRI scans of a damaged back can help Social Security determine whether or not your back pain is real. Unless the x-rays and MRIs show abnormal anomalies or only minor abnormalities, Social Security is unlikely to compensate you for disability benefits. A doctor must document your disabling back pain in order for you to receive a disability check. In order to determine how sedentary, light, moderate, or heavy work is acceptable, Social Security will use the answers to these questions. You must inform your doctor about your back pain at each office visit. Rest your back for as long as you can during the day, preferably for more than one hour.
Your doctor will have an entirely different opinion than you do on x-rays and MRIs based on the findings of objective abnormalities. If you are deemed unreliable by Social Security, your disability benefits may be denied. During the course of your visit to your doctor, you should discuss your back pain. The use of words like “good” or “good” is likely to be deceptive. If today’s back pain is better than it was a week ago, say it’s a ‘7’ instead of a ‘9’ if it was a week ago. Impairments (and limitations caused by them) must be clearly and consistently documented throughout your medical history in order to be classified as essential parts of your record. SSA uses its own forms, which are Physical RFC and Mental RFC in this country. The disablity lawyer must collaborate closely with your treating physician to ensure that the appropriate documentation for your specific findings and impairments is included in your medical records.
If you have any of the following symptoms, it is critical that you schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Neck or back pain is the most common complaint. A difficult swallowing.
The pain is the product of pain. There is a lack of space. Breathing is defined as the act of taking a deep breath.
– Rapid heart rate
It takes some effort to urinate.
Dizziness can lead to permanent damage, as well as death if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
The back or neck pain can be accompanied by headaches. It can be difficult to swallow.
A person suffering from pain. Shortness can be distinguished by two distinct characteristics. It is the breathing of the soul.
In the presence of a fast heartbeat, this rate is accelerated.
It is not uncommon for men to urinate.
The Dangers Of A Herniated Disc
If you have a herniated disc, your job prospects are likely to be bleak for at least six months.
If you have nerve root compression, you will be unable to work for at least three months.
If you have degeneration of the discs, you will be unable to work for a minimum of twelve months.
Degenerative Disc Disease Work Restrictions
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that results in the breakdown of the discs that cushion the spine. This can lead to pain and other problems.
There are a number of possible work restrictions for people with DDD. These may include avoiding heavy lifting, bending, and twisting. People with DDD may also need to take breaks during the day to rest and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
It happens to anyone, and it causes back pain after 35 years. The pain that a damaged disc causes is referred to as degeneration of the disc. The three most common risk factors for DDOS are age, weight, and occupation. However, there are strategies for dealing with discomfort and avoiding major issues. When you have too much body weight, you may feel a lot of pressure on your lower back. The density of discs has increased, causing them to become more fragile. People who work with a lot of physical effort are more likely to develop DWD. Surgical intervention is not usually necessary in patients with Degenerative Disc Disease.
Avoid movements that require significant axial loading on the lower back, such as squats and leg presses, as a way to avoid degeneration of the spinal disc. Avoid toe touches, sit-ups, and yoga poses that aggravate the pain and cause significant back bending. Furthermore, by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive stress on the spine, it is possible to prevent the degeneration process from progressing.
Degenerative Disc Disease And Your Benefits
Employees with chronic disease who are able to work only part-time may be eligible for benefits based on the amount of work they have completed. In addition, if you have been unable to work for an extended period of time, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Is Spinal Stenosis Covered By Ada
In order to qualify for disability as a result of lumbar spinal stenosis under listing 1.16, you must demonstrate that you suffer from ALL of the following: numbness or tingling in one or both legs, or sensations that are non-radiating, or neurogenic claudication (pain or numbness)
Over 400,000 people in the United States are affected by spinal spondylolism (LSS) each year. One of the disorders that may qualify as a disability is spinal cord disease, which causes back pain. If you suffer from LSS and are unable to earn a living, you may be able to apply for financial assistance. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), disability can be defined as being unable to work for at least a year. The SSA’s Blue Book contains a detailed explanation of spinal cord vertebrae and their symptoms as well as information on Musculoskeletal system (1.04). You may find it difficult to walk or drive if you have chronic pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs. Non-positional headaches, anxiety, fever, elevated blood sugar levels, and decreased immunity are just a few of the side effects of steroids.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the most likely benefit you will receive if you have spinal stenosis. SSDI provides financial assistance to people who were able to work before they were diagnosed with a disability, but are unable to do so now. To be eligible for Social Security benefits for lumbar spinal stenosis, your medical records must show that your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working. You must expect your illness to be disabling for at least a year if you want to continue living life.
You May Be Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits If You Have Spinal Stenosis
If you have spinal stenosis, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits; however, you must consult with an expert to determine if you are eligible. You must be disabled to receive a disability rating, and the SSA considers a number of factors, including your level of disability, your ability to perform basic activities, and your medical history. If spinal stenosis causes significant disability in your ability to perform basic activities, you may be able to apply for SSDI. If you are diagnosed with spinal stenosis, your medical condition may affect your eligibility for disability benefits.
Chronic Back Pain Disability Under Ada
In addition to light duty work, time off, and accommodations like wheelchairs, you may be entitled to adaptations like adaptive devices (those that assist with lifting and moving or adjusting office equipment such as a sit-stand desk or a tilted work surface), as well as other modifications.
Approximately 30% of Americans have low back pain, and 15% have neck pain. These conditions can interfere with our ability to sleep, make basic work tasks difficult, and impair our enjoyment of our daily lives. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is any physical or mental impairment that severely limits one or more major aspects of one’s life. There is no requirement that you be completely unable to perform a major life activity in order to qualify as having a substantial limitation. Many back or neck conditions are likely to qualify for ADA disability status. If you believe you have a disability and are having difficulty performing your job, you should contact your employer about reasonable accommodations.
FAQs
Can orthopedic surgeon help with degenerative disc disease? ›
If the diagnosis is a degenerative disease, your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with a treatment plan to improve function and relieve pain. For many people, at-home and minimally invasive treatments work well to control back pain.
Does degenerative disc disease qualify for SSDI? ›If you are unable to work because of degenerative disc disease, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to the disabled individual and certain dependents in his or her family.
What is the disability rating for degenerative disc disease? ›What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent.
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease surgery? ›Discectomy is the most common surgical treatment for a herniated disc, which often occurs as a result of degenerative disc disease. It involves removing the injured part of the disc, relieving pressure on the affected nerve.
Who specializes in degenerative disc disease? ›A physiatrist is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor who treats medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. They often focus on rehabilitation, or helping patients remain active in spite of physical challenges.
What is the new treatment for back pain 2022? ›THURSDAY, June 9, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Like fixing a flat on the roadside, a new injectable hydrogel is showing promise as a remedy for worn-down spinal discs -- pumping them back up and relieving chronic back pain.
Is degenerative disc disease a long term disability? ›We know that back conditions including degenerative disc disease can progress and symptoms can worsen over time. If your back pain becomes severe enough that it prevents you from working, in your own occupation or any occupation, you should consider filing a claim for long-term disability benefits.
Should I work with degenerative disc disease? ›For people with degenerative disc disease, working can be rough. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk can aggravate your back, as can heavy manual labor. But just because the work day is rough doesn't mean that it's impossible to work with degenerative disc disease. To do it, you need to think about ergonomics.
Does degenerative back qualify for disability? ›Degenerative disc disease by itself is not recognized as a listed disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Why? For one reason, the pain caused by disc degeneration is usually intermittent, and often goes away after a few months of conservative treatment.
Is chronic back pain a disability under ADA? ›An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disabilities can range from migraines and chronic back pain to Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease and cancer.
Is degenerative disc disease a form of arthritis? ›
Yes. The phrase "degenerative changes" in the spine refers to osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
What is Stage 4 degenerative disc disease? ›In stage four, you will have minimal disc material remaining. In addition, severe bony changes of the vertebrae may be present. At this stage, your vertebrae may be almost bone on bone due to the reduced thickness of your spinal discs. Disc replacement surgery or vertebral fusion surgery may be required.
Can you live with degenerative disc disease without surgery? ›Degenerative disc disease is relatively common in aging adults, and, as a reassurance, it seldom requires surgery. When medical attention is needed, the majority of patients respond well to non-surgical forms of treatment, and recovery occurs in about six weeks.
How long is recovery from DDD surgery? ›The recovery process from an artificial disc replacement usually consists of a combination of pain medications, physical therapy, and possibly wearing a back or neck brace. Recovery from this procedure can take up to 6 months.
How do people live with severe degenerative disc disease? ›- Find the best position e.g. recline while watching TV at night instead of sitting.
- Consider over-the-counter medications to fight inflammation or prescription medications for pain.
- Consider physical therapy to strengthen your neck and back muscles (which help to support your spine)
You can't completely stop disc deterioration. But you can slow down degenerative disc disease and prevent the painful problems caused by the problem, such as pinched nerves, facet joint arthritis, herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis.
What activities should be avoided with degenerative disc disease? ›People with degenerative disk disease should avoid slouching and a sedentary lifestyle. They should also refrain from exercise or activities that are high impact or involve heavy lifting. Many people experience lower back pain due to degenerative disk disease.
What is the shot they give you for back pain? ›An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is the delivery of powerful anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the space outside of the sac of fluid around your spinal cord. This area is called the epidural space.
What do you get prescribed for chronic back pain? ›...
Anticonvulsants most often used to treat chronic pain are:
- Carbamazepine.
- Gabapentin.
- Lamotrigine.
- Pregabalin.
- Valproic acid.
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection, sometimes called a selective nerve-root block, is an injection of a glucocorticoid and/or numbing agent into the area of the nerve where it exits the spinal column between the vertebrae. Pain relief begins within a few days to a week and may last up to a few months.
Will degenerative disc disease cripple me? ›
Degenerative Disc Disease is not life threatening, but if left untreated, can lead to debilitating pain, permanent damage, and serious conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and potentially paralysis.
How fast does degenerative disc disease progress? ›The degenerative process of the spinal disc may start gradually or suddenly, but progresses over 2 to 3 decades from severe and at times even disabling bouts of pain to a state in which the spine is restabilized and the pain is diminished.
Can you drive with degenerative disc disease? ›Conclusions Many patients suffering from radiculopathy or myelopathy from cervical disc disease are limited in their ability to operate an automobile. Following anterior cervical spine surgery, most patients are able to return to comfortable driving at 6 weeks.
What work can I do with degenerative disc disease? ›People with degenerative disc disease can try alternative methods of pain relief such as massage therapy and acupuncture. One of the most helpful ways that that you can do to help manage pain that can help you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease is through exercise and physical therapy.
How does degenerative disc disease affect my ability to work? ›Degenerative disc disease can be devastating, causing horrible pain, mobility problems, numbness and tingling, and cause malaise, which is an overall feeling of being unwell. All these symptoms can keep you from your normal activities and from living a productive lifestyle.
What is severe degenerative disc disease L4 L5? ›DISC DEGENRATIVE DISEASE L4-L5 CAUSES
Tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc – Pressure on the outer layer of a disc can result in the development of small tears. The jellylike material from inside the disc can then seep through these cracks – a condition known as a herniated disc.
What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.
Does lumbar spinal stenosis qualify for disability? ›Fortunately, lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the few back conditions recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with an official impairment listing, meaning that those with documented cases of severe lumbar spinal stenosis are automatically granted disability benefits—if you can meet the SSA's tough ...
Is degenerative osteoarthritis a disability? ›Osteoarthritis is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Osteoarthritis can be debilitating, causing severe pain and mobility issues. Many joints can be affected by osteoarthritis, including the knee. Even tricompartmental osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis in the knee is a disability.
How much is disability for lower back pain? ›How VA Rates Back Pain Disability. VA disability ratings for back pain go from 10% to 100% depending on how severe your symptoms are, including your range of motion and pain frequency and level. Claims involving both the cervical spine and the thoracolumbar spine are rated under the same general rating formula.
What disabilities are not covered by the ADA? ›
...
What Isn't Covered Under the Americans With Disabilities Act?
- Broken bones that heal completely.
- All forms of cancer.
- Common cold or the flu.
- Compulsive gambling.
- Lack of education.
- Old age.
- Pregnancy.
- Sprained joints.
This is a difficult standard to meet, and often sciatica alone will not be enough to qualify a person as disabled. Because most cases of sciatica resolve with time, only people whose sciatica is caused by a chronic disease or permanent injury usually qualify for benefits.
Can chiropractor make degenerative disc disease worse? ›This is never the case, and in fact, chiropractors may be the best skilled medical professionals to treat the condition, because they have the knowledge and the skill to effectively treat the issue, certainly without causing any further damage.
What is the best medicine for degenerative arthritis? ›NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
What's the difference between degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease? ›The main difference between Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease is that the conditions occur in slightly different parts of the spine. DDD affects discs directly, while DJD affects the cartilage at the ends of your vertebrae.
Does degenerative disc disease make you tired? ›While symptoms vary, they generally include pain along the cervical spine, neck, lumbar spine, or lower back. The pain often radiates throughout the arms, buttocks, and extremities. Fatigue can increase with prolonged periods of sitting, standing or walking.
Is a heating pad good for degenerative disc disease? ›Heat therapy.
Using heat from a heating pad, adhesive wrap, warm bath or other heat source can relax the surrounding muscles and reduce tension and spasms, a significant contributor to degenerative disc pain.
Excessive strain on the low back caused by sports, frequent heavy lifting, or labor-intensive jobs. Strain on the lumbar spinal discs due to prolonged sitting and/or poor posture. Lack of support for the discs due to weak core muscles. Obesity.
What causes flare ups in degenerative disc disease? ›These flare ups can be caused by a simple action, such as bending over to tie your shoes, or twisting. Or, you can just experience this discomfort without being able to pinpoint the exact cause. You may experience a rise in pain for several days to several weeks before it diminishes.
What are permanent restrictions after spinal fusion? ›The spinal fusion procedure permanently fuses the targeted vertebrae of the spine. This process also permanently eliminates all motion at the affected segment. So, patients do experience permanent restrictions on their mobility, such as an inability to twist, bend, and lift heavy objects.
What is the success rate of degenerative disc disease surgery? ›
The success rate for disc surgery is about 90 percent, but even so, he considers it only if symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks.
How long should you use a walker after back surgery? ›You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground. By the end of the first month, you should be able to walk one mile without your assistance device.
What does a neurosurgeon do for degenerative disc disease? ›The surgeon may perform a discectomy to remove the disc and associated bone spurs that are compressing the spinal cord and or surrounding nerves. Removing the damaged disc makes room for the spinal cord and surrounding nerves to move freely in the spinal canal.
What is the age limit for spinal surgery? ›If you're in good health for your age, spine surgery may be perfectly safe in your 70s or even 80s. Comorbidities – Similarly, the doctor will also look at any health comorbidities that could complicate your procedure.
What causes degenerative disc disease flare ups? ›These flare ups can be caused by a simple action, such as bending over to tie your shoes, or twisting. Or, you can just experience this discomfort without being able to pinpoint the exact cause. You may experience a rise in pain for several days to several weeks before it diminishes.
What not to do when you have degenerative disc disease? ›People with degenerative disk disease should avoid slouching and a sedentary lifestyle. They should also refrain from exercise or activities that are high impact or involve heavy lifting. Many people experience lower back pain due to degenerative disk disease.
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease in the lower back? ›Bed rest, or reduced activity, for the first 1 to 2 days after onset of severe pain, combined with anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, and ice and/or heat therapy. Prescription muscle relaxant medications, as needed, for up to 1 week. Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise, for at least 3 times a week.