Shockwave Therapy & Disc Disease
Focused Shockwave Therapy Presents Favorable Results in Treating Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (also known as DDD or disc disease) is a condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. Due to the wear and tear of daily activities, fitness and sports, or injury, the intervertebral discs of the spine may be impacted. This can often lead to pain, stiffness, or nerve damage, as the discs may dry out or deteriorate. The damage to the discs, which act as the shock absorbers for the spine, may persist if not attended to and may lead to other conditions like spinal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, or herniation (herniated discs).
Focused shockwave therapy is a treatment option that does not require surgery or injections. This non-invasive therapeutic modality has been used in treating musculoskeletal conditions to target specific tissues, stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote circulation from the acoustic waves (or shockwaves) emitted from the device. Benefits of focused shockwave therapy in treating disc disease may include:
- Pain Management - reducing chronic pain associated with degenerative disc disease, as it stimulates the nerve endings along the spine and assists in the release of endorphins, also known as our body's natural painkillers.
- Tissue Regeneration and Healing - acoustic waves increases blood flow to the injured areas, which can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while encouraging healing.
- Reduced Inflammation - with anti-inflammatory effects, shockwave therapy can assist in reducing swelling in the affected areas, more quickly relieving pain and stiffness.
- Cell Regeneration - by shockwaves stimulating fibroblasts and other cells assisting in the healing process, tissue may regenerate, which can promote repairing the damaged discs and/or its surrounding soft tissue.
- Improved Motion - treatments from focused shockwave therapy promote healing, which assists in restoring the motion due to relief from stiffness and pain.
- Reduced (Few) Side Effects - the use of focused shockwave therapy treatments offers minimal side effects. Some common side effects include mild bruising, swelling, and redness, which typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours.
- Quick Treatment Sessions with Minimal Downtime - non-invasive sessions typically last around 15 minutes and most can resume their busy lifestyles same day.
- Long-Term Results - while results may vary based upon each patient's health, focused shockwave therapy can provide pain relief and functional improvement for months or even years.
For many patients, disc disease can significantly impact daily mobility. By reducing pain and promoting tissue and cell regeneration with focused shockwave therapy treatments, patients improve their overall quality of life and get back to their normal activities, with reduced pain and more mobility. The results of this treatment will vary from patient to patient.
Want to learn more about treating degenerative disc disease with Focused Shockwave Therapy in an effort to reduce pain, improve healing, and restore function? Request an appointment with Dr. Carter today.
