The answer to the question of can I play golf with degenerative disc disease depends on the severity of the condition and how much you want to play. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor and get a support device or neck brace. Stop playing golf if you have pain or discomfort in your neck or back. It’s best to avoid playing until the discomfort subsides. As you may already know, golf involves a lot of repetitive motion, which can lead to back pain.
Artificial disc replacement preserves spinal mobility and preserves your golf game
If you have degenerative disc disease, artificial disc replacement is a viable treatment option. It is an implanted polyethylene core that replaces the degenerated or damaged disc. These artificial discs prevent vertebrae from pressing against one another and preserve spinal mobility. In many cases, patients are able to return to normal activity within 24 hours. Disc replacement is safe and has no long-term side effects.
The CHARITE artificial disc is a type of implant that was developed and tested in Germany. It has three pieces – a plastic sliding core and metal endplates made of cobalt chromium. The endplates have small teeth to hold them in place against the vertebrae. Unlike a natural disc, which can be dislodged, artificial discs allow for normal movement in all directions.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease
While a few people may experience intermittent aches and pains, a condition known as degenerative disk disease can cause pain for weeks at a time. The disease affects the spinal disks, which are cushioned discs between vertebrae. As they age, they thin and degenerate. The result is pain, numbness, and reduced range of motion. It can also lead to spinal deformity and loss of mobility.
A person with degenerative disc disease can experience sharp pain, numbness, and weakness in one or more parts of their back. While exact symptoms will depend on the specific location of disc degeneration, the primary symptoms of this condition will include back pain that is chronic and accompanied by weakness and tingling. Pain may also radiate into unexpected locations, including the arms and legs. Degenerative disc disease can even result in loss of feeling or pins and needles sensation.
Disc pain that originates in the lower back can also be a sign of degenerative disc disease. Pain in this area can also radiate to the arms, hands, and fingers, or to the buttocks. It can even be so severe that the patient experiences difficulty walking. It is imperative that the patient seek medical attention to find the cause of the pain. If left untreated, the pain may cause permanent damage to the spinal discs.
A doctor may recommend treatment if the condition is advanced. A doctor can determine if nonoperative measures are working. Physical therapy, injections, or surgery can help relieve the pain associated with the condition. Although surgery is an option in severe cases, nonsurgical treatments are usually effective. In addition to surgery, non-surgical methods may be used to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. Once symptoms of degenerative disc disease have been diagnosed, patients may undergo a number of treatments.
Treatment options
Disc surgery is one of the most common treatments for degenerative disk disease, and it is effective in relieving pressure from the nerve and stabilizing the damaged disc. While this surgery is not as effective as spinal fusion, it is a viable option if you experience pain, stiffness, or other symptoms of disc degeneration. Disc surgery may be performed in two ways: to remove the damaged disc or to stabilize the spine with a metal plate or bone graft. A minimally invasive approach to this procedure is laminectomy, which removes bone fragments and soft tissue from the spine. When combined with spinal fusion, laminectomy surgery relieves pressure on the degenerated disc and can prevent pain in the future.
Injections around the protective outer layer of the spine can provide temporary pain relief and improved mobility. They are typically performed before physical therapy, which can reduce degenerative disc symptoms and prevent further damage to the spine. Physical therapy may also include stretching to reduce tension and strengthen spinal muscles. Stretching the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles can relieve pain from cervical discs. Stretching the hips and lower back muscles can also reduce pain associated with degenerative disc disease.
Artificial disc replacement is another option. This surgery replaces a damaged disc with a synthetic one that mimics the disc’s natural properties. This procedure helps maintain the flexibility of cervical joints and avoids complications associated with bone grafting. Patients who undergo ADR also have a lower risk of wearing out adjacent levels of the neck. The procedure also provides relief from nerve pain. In some cases, surgical procedures such as facet joint injections are not enough.
Taking breaks during a golf swing
While a golf swing with degenerative disc disease can be challenging, it is important to understand the importance of taking frequent breaks. Golfers can be prone to injuries due to lack of flexibility, and compensating muscles can increase the stress on the joint. Proper stretching and strengthening exercises can help golfers stay in shape and avoid weekend warrior syndrome. In addition to resting your body, take regular breaks and limit your golf games to practice or play a few practice balls.
A golf swing stresses the L5-S1 disc space, causing it to be stretched and inflamed. Discs in the lower back are prone to degeneration, so the more frequently you play, the greater the risk of pain. Another cause of back pain is improperly picking up the golf bag. Proper golf swing techniques involve engaging your core and bending your knees.
For golfers with degenerative disc disease, this can cause an S-Posture, which is a common swing problem. This position puts the lumbar spine into a lower crossed syndrome pattern, which is an adaptation to muscle imbalances resulting from prolonged static postures. This pattern inhibits gluteal and abdominal muscles, and overstresses the lower back structures.
If your golf game is affecting your back, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. In severe cases, you may want to consider using a TENS device, which helps reduce pain through electrical stimulation. Also, avoid lifting heavy objects or bending excessively until you are pain free. Depending on the severity of your back pain, surgery may be an option. Once the surgery is completed, you can get back on your golf game again!
Getting proper treatment for degenerative disc disease
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease depend on the severity of the condition. However, the most common early symptom is back pain. It is often weak but can become intense, limiting the ability to carry out daily activities. Pain may worsen with standing, bending, or walking, and it may even radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. Fortunately, treatment options are available.
Degenerative disc disease is generally treated with nonsurgical methods. A physician will recommend treatment options based on your condition and pain levels. Some of these methods include taking over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to ease inflammation. Physical therapy can also be effective for pain management, as certain exercises and modifications can strengthen muscles to support the spine and reduce painful flare-ups. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a back brace to protect the back from further damage.
Injections of degenerative disc disease medication can help alleviate pain for weeks or months. Steroid injections may also be effective, though they are not permanent solutions. Injections can cause bleeding and bruising. Steroids may also have harmful effects on surrounding tissues, so doctors recommend no more than three injections per year. Surgery is the last option for many people with degenerative disc disease. However, minimally invasive spinal surgeries are now available.
Nonoperative treatments are effective for reducing pain and easing discomfort in patients with degenerative disc disease. Nonsurgical methods may include chiropractic care and acupuncture, which can help relieve pain and increase range of motion. If none of these methods are successful, a patient may choose to undergo surgical intervention. Further, nonsurgical treatments, such as exercise, can help reduce the severity of the symptoms of degenerative disc disease and reduce the need for further medical care.