Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that includes thinning and weakening of the intervertebral discs of the spine. It can be age related, inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Sometimes DDD is initiated with an injury to the spine. The weakened disc can bulge or rupture causing a Prolapsed Disc (also Herniated or Slipped Disc.) The intervertebral discs typically have a poor blood supply, and generally heal slowly.
The compression of spinal nerves by a disc or by vertebrae can result in a compressed nerve, called a radiculopathy. Sciatica is a radiculopathy of the lumbar spine. Compressed nerves undergo an inflammatory process that further reduces blood supply and can cause serious pain or damage the nervous tissue.
It is important to consider a multi-disciplinary approach to recovery from back pain. First of all, it is helpful to deduce or diagnose the cause of the pain. There are many potential causes of back pain.
Scientific evidence shows that hyperbaic oxygen therapy can:
A gradual return to activity is essential, so keep moving as you can.
Researchers from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Chang Gung University, College of Medicine in Taiwan are leading the way in researching how degenerative disc disease responds to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They have studied a variety of human cells in detail as well as a study using a degenerative disk rat model.
Rapid Recovery Hyperbarics of California has an excellent list of case studies of prolapsed and herniated discs (courtesy of HyperMED) responding well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Chinese researchers have investigated hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive treatment to other modalities.
Joint disorders that cause pain and stiffness through inflammatory or degenerative changes.
A chronic pain disorder causing severe pain, sensitivity and changes in a limb after injury or surgery.
Changes in spinal discs that may contribute to back or neck pain, stiffness and reduced function.
A rare disorder causing episodes of burning pain, redness and warmth, usually in the feet or hands.
A chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and increased sensitivity.
Neurological headache disorders that can cause severe pain, nausea, sensory sensitivity and repeated attacks.
Damage to peripheral nerves that can cause numbness, tingling, burning pain, weakness or balance problems.
Connective-tissue and vascular disorders that can affect skin, circulation, joints and internal organs.
.svg)