Most individuals will notice wear and tear with age. However, this doesn’t mean everyone will experience degenerative disc disease. At the same time, those who do experience this condition can face differing degrees of pain and discomfort. So, what can you do about it?
Well, chiropractic care can offer an all-natural way to manage your pain. Below, we explore degenerative disc disease further and how chiropractic care might help.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease. As we age, the discs in our spine—those crucial shock absorbers between our vertebrae—start to wear down. This can cause both neck and back pain.
Here are a few key reasons why this happens:
- Drying Out: Our discs are mostly made of water. As we age, they start to dry out and flatten.
- Cracks and Tears: The outer layer of the discs can develop tiny cracks or tears.
- Loss of Flexibility: As discs thin and stiffen, they lose their ability to absorb shocks.
- Bone Spurs: Sometimes, your body tries to fix the problem by growing extra bits of bone. However, instead of fixing the problem, it often causes more issues.
Symptoms can vary, but often include:
- Neck or back pain that comes and goes
- Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
- Numbness and tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness in leg muscles
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors employ various techniques to address this condition, focusing on improving spinal function and overall quality of life.
Central to chiropractic care are spinal adjustments, which aim to improve alignment, enhance joint mobility, and reduce pressure on affected discs. Some practitioners may also utilize spinal decompression therapy and flexion-distraction techniques to further aid in disc health and pain reduction.
Beyond hands-on treatments, chiropractors provide comprehensive care that includes lifestyle and ergonomic advice, nutritional guidance, and pain management strategies. This multifaceted approach helps patients minimize stress on their discs during daily activities and supports long-term spinal health.
However, the goal of chiropractic care in managing degenerative disc disease extends beyond pain relief. It aims to improve spinal function, slow the degenerative process, and help patients maintain an active, comfortable lifestyle. By offering a drug-free, personalized treatment plan, chiropractic care provides patients with tools to manage their condition effectively over the long term.
While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, chiropractic care offers a path to improved spinal health and enhanced overall well-being. Consulting with your local Parker and Highlands Ranch chiropractors can help you manage this condition better and live your life to the fullest. At Awaken Chiropractic, we’re here for you every step of the way. Book your appointment with our expert team today!
