Degenerative disc disease is a fact of life, and the majority of us will have to endure it. By the age of 35, almost a third of all people will show early signs of degenerative disc disease. By the age of 60, more than 90% of people will have Degenerative Disc Disease.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative disc disease, or damage once it's done. There is some good news, though: the condition is not fatal and rarely serious. More importantly, some treatments can slow down the progression of degenerative disc disease, or help prevent the onset of the condition.
Whether you want to put off degenerative disc disease for as long as you can, or you want to prevent it from accelerating, chiropractic care can help.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease and What Are the Symptoms?
In the strictest sense of the word, degenerative disc disease falls under the category of diseases because it is a condition that has distinguishing signs and symptoms that impairs normal functioning. Many healthcare experts argue that it would be better to call degenerative disc disease a condition because it is part of the natural aging process.
Discs are small, fluid-filled pads that act as cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. As we age these discs begin to dehydrate and lose height, so they aren't as good at absorbing shocks and protecting the joints. People with degenerative disc disease may experience joint and back pain, inflammation, or nerve irritation. Pain varies from person to person.
Some additional health issues associated with degenerative disc disease include scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, bone spurs, or herniated discs.
People with certain other health problems, lifestyles, genetic predispositions, or who have been injured may experience disc deterioration at an earlier age or faster rate.
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
There are many approaches to treating degenerative disc disease. Lifestyle changes can help—anti-inflammatory diets, weight loss, exercise, and changes to posture can help prevent the onset or slow acceleration of disc degeneration. Some people find medication, such as NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) or prescription painkillers, gives some relief from discomfort. Physical therapy can also help relieve pain and improve flexibility.
One often overlooked treatment that works for degenerative disc disease is chiropractic care. Misalignments of the spine are a common problem that comes with the normal wear-and-tear of living, and they can exacerbate the symptoms and speed up the progression of degenerative disc disease. A chiropractor helps make adjustments so that the spine is restored to a healthy alignment. This helps relieve pain, restoring some flexibility and mobility, improves the strength of your core, and improves posture.
How We Help Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, our Dr. Gordon Elder is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is a modern chiropractic specialty that makes the most of cutting-edge diagnostic technology. This allows for gentler adjustments made with more precision so that they hold longer.
The Blair technique is focused on the most vulnerable part of the spine—the upper cervical area, which runs from the base of the skull, down the neck, and into the lower back. This part of the spine is most prone to injury and misalignments.
Dr. Elder has a three-step plan for patients with degenerative disc disease to help relieve pain, improve quality of life, and slow down the progress of the condition. First, he completes a thorough assessment. This includes revolutionary 3D diagnostic imaging technology to help the doctor better visualize and calculate the angles of the spine.
Second, the doctor can use the information from the diagnostic tools to make more exact adjustments using low-pressure, gentle techniques. Adjustments are swift and you'll barely feel them.
Finally, regular check-ups will help the doctor keep your spine in tip-top shape, reducing symptoms and preventing further deterioration of the discs.
If you have degenerative disc disease, or if you want to take a proactive measure against it, Dr. Elder is here to help you. Call for a consultation. Dr. Elder's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.