One of the most common reasons why people seek the help of a healthcare professional has to do with back pain. At the same time, there are many reasons why someone might have back pain. One of the most common causes of back pain is degenerative disc disease. This is a chronic condition that can lead to mobility issues, flexibility problems, and chronic pain. A lot of people believe they need to take prescription medications or undergo surgery in order to correct degenerative disc disease. Fortunately, this is not always the case. A chiropractor may be able to treat degenerative disc disease effectively, helping people avoid side effects and complications. What is this condition, and what are the treatment options? Continue reading to find out…
What Is the Cause of Degenerative Disc Disease?
You have discs in between your spinal vertebrae that act as cushions for the bones in your back. These discs consist of a tough outer wall and a soft inner core. Over time, these discs may start to dry out. At birth, the discs in your spine are mostly water. As you get older, the water leaves these discs, causing them to get thinner. When the discs begin to flatten, they cannot absorb daily wear and tear as well. As a result, there is less cushion between your vertebrae, leading to pain.
In other situations, the discs in your back may actually crack. If these spinal discs develop small tears, this can lead to back pain. The nerves in your back could become irritated, leading to discomfort. In some cases, the disc may completely rupture, leading to a herniated disc.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are a few common symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Examples include:
- You may feel a dull, burning discomfort in your lower back and upper thighs
- The pain may come and go, getting better or worse over time
- The pain is usually worse when you sit and gets better when you begin to move
- The pain may get worse when you twist, lift, or bend
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit a chiropractor who can help you arrive at the proper diagnosis.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
A chiropractor can help you figure out what the best treatment option is. First, he or she will take a full history. Then, your chiropractor will do a full physical exam. After this, your chiropractor may perform a series of adjustments, helping you properly align the vertebrae in your back. In other situations, traction therapy may be helpful to increase the amount of space between the vertebrae in your back. Finally, the chiropractor may also recommend corrective exercises that can strengthen the muscles around your spine, providing more support. Over time, it may be possible to treat degenerative disc disease without prescription medications or surgery.
Trust a Chiropractor To Help You Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
Similar to other medical problems, degenerative disc disease can vary widely in its scope and severity. That is why it is important for you to speak with a chiropractor before you decide to have back surgery. A chiropractor can help you address the root concern of your back pain. Then, using a series of adjustments along with a well-rounded treatment strategy, it is possible to not only treat the symptoms on the surface but also correct the cause and help you stay healthy. If you would like to learn more about degenerative disc disease, give us a call today. We’re here to help!
Leave a Comment