Degenerative Disc Disease

Everyone’s spinal discs will show signs of wear as they age, but delayed or no treatment at all can contribute to further pain and degeneration.

Why is this?

If a muscle or area of the spine remains under stress in an incorrect position for too long, it will cause further damage.

A similar example of this may be if you only make right turns with your car. Eventually, the wheels, axle, shocks and other parts of your car on the right side will wear down faster than on the left. The same is true of your spine. If your spine is impacted by an injury, an unhealthy posture, or a repetitive action that causes stress over time, it will cause unnatural wear and lead to serious pain.

Symmetry and balance are essential to the health of the spine. If your spine is out of balance, there is a greater chance that degeneration will occur.

What are the dangers of degeneration?

By definition, degeneration means that deterioration and loss of function in the cells of a tissue or organ occurs over time.

This loss of function in the cells, muscles, and tissue can cause pain in other parts of the body and also lead to dysfunction of the internal organs that are tied to the spine.

DDD is most often noticed with pain in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). These areas of the spine undergo the most motion, movement, and stress, and are the most common areas that one will experience pain and degeneration. If you are experiencing pain in these areas frequently, you should seek the consultation and help of a chiropractor immediately.

The most common symptoms of a degenerative disc include:

• Pain with bending or twisting
• A lock-up or “frozen” pain in the back
• Muscle spasms
• Sharp, stabbing, or hot pains in the shoulder, arm, hand, hips, buttocks, or feet
• Pain from holding certain positions (such as sitting or standing) for longer periods of time
• Pain throughout the body when sleeping or just laying down
• Lack of energy

There are a variety of different treatments, but the greatest way to stop the pain and improve your spinal health is to tell a doctor and let them suggest the best treatment plan for you. In some cases, the best option may be receiving regular spinal adjustments to correct and take pressure off the sensitive nerves. In other cases, you may need medication, injections or icing.

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