Nonsurgical Treatment

Whenever possible, doctors prefer nonsurgical treatment other than surgery. The first goal is to ease pain and other symptoms so the patient can resume normal activities as soon as possible.
Patients are encouraged to do bad rest, back braces are sometimes prescribed, too. Besides, prescribed medication will be given to help gain control of symptoms so they can resume normal activity swiftly.
If symptoms continue to limit a person's ability to function normally, the doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection (ESI). Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatories, meaning they help reduce pain and swelling. It is usully the last choice among the nonsurgical treatments, and only has a temporary relief. In addition, physical therapists can design an exercise program to improve patients' flexibility of tight muscles, and to help a patient move safely and with less pain.

Doctors prefer to try nonsurgical treatment for a minimum of three months before considering surgery. If nonsurgical treatment hasn't improved symptoms, the doctor may recommend surgery. The main types of surgery for degenerative disc problems include

Lumbar Laminectomy
The lamina forms a roof-like structure over the back of the spinal column. When the nerves in the spinal canal are squeezed by a degenerated disc or by bone spurs pushing into the canal, a laminectomy removes most, or all of the lamina to release pressure on the spinal nerves.

Discectomy
Surgery to take out part or all of a problem disc in the low back is called discectomy. Discectomy is done when the degenerated disc has ruptured into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal nerves. Before the disc material can be removed, the surgeon must first remove part of the lamina to expose the problem disc. Currently minimally invasive surgeries are applied include percutaneous lumbar discectomy, laser discectomy, and microdiscectomy.

Fusion
Fusion surgery joins two or more bones into one solid bone. This prevents the bones and joints from moving. The procedure is sometimes done with a discectomy. Mechanical pain is eased because the fusion holds the moving parts steady, so they can't cause irritation and inflammation.