Anti-inflammatory medications and treatments for degenerative disc disease Anti-inflammatory medications for degenerative disc disease The most common treatments for inflammation from degenerative disc disease include NSAID’s (such as Ibuprofen), oral steroids, or epidural steroids. Usually, NSAID’s are sufficient for pain management and either oral or epidural steroids can be saved for more severe episodes of pain. Epidural injections for degenerative disc disease Epidural injections can also be used to help decrease inflammation in cases where there is a severe flair of pain from degenerative disc disease. The injection is done by inserting a needle into the space around the thecal sac (epidural space) and then injecting a steroid medication. This helps reduce inflammation in the spinal canal and can reduce pain in about 50% to 70% of patients. Exercise for degenerative disc disease Epidural injections should be thought of as part of the rehabilitation process from degenerative disc disease, and while the patient is feeling better exercises should be started for stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning. If the pain returns, the injection can be repeated up to three times in a 6-month period.