Degenerative Disc Disease

When you come to our Health & Wellness Chiropractic Center for degenerative disc disease, you’ll be evaluated by our multidisciplinary team of specialists who will work with you to determine a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to offer the most advanced and least invasive treatment to help improve your quality of life.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease refers to changes in the discs in the spine, most often due to the aging process or to a spinal injury. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the spine’s interlocking bones, or vertebrae. These discs serve as shock absorbers that enable the spine to bend and twist.

Symptoms

For many individuals, degenerative disc disease may not cause any symptoms. Others, however, may experience back or neck pain and stiffness. The location of your pain depends on the affected disc:

1. A degenerative disc in the neck area may result in neck or arm pain or numbness.
2. A degenerative disc in the lower back may result in pain or numbness in the back, buttock or leg, difficulty walking and lack of balance or coordination.
3. Occasionally, bowel and bladder control problems may occur with spinal cord stenosis or significant nerve compression.

Diagnosis

Our collaborative team begins by conducting a complete medical history and physical exam as well as a review of any symptoms, injuries or illnesses, previous treatment, or habits and activities that could be responsible for your pain.

Testing is done using the most advanced technologies and may include: Imaging such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI of the affected area. An EMG to assess the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles. A discogram to evaluate back pain and help determine whether the degenerated disc is the cause of pain.

After your diagnostic tests are completed, our specialists will talk with you about your treatment options.

Treatment (Non-Surgical)

Most cases of degenerative disc disease can be managed without surgery through our comprehensive pain program focused on interventional therapies. Non-surgical treatment is based on symptoms and is aimed at reducing pain and improving function. Treatment may include:

1. Physical therapy and exercises to help strengthen specific muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups.
2. Pain management, including anti-inflammatory and pain medications, muscle relaxers, manual manipulation, steroid injections, electrical stimulation, radiofrequency ablation and heat/ice therapy.
3. Traditional medicine combined with holistic therapies such as yoga, healing touch and acupuncture.

Contact Us

You're about to make an important decision, and we want to help you make a good one. Our staff will be glad to talk with you about your options and how we can help.