What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease or Degenerative Disc Disorder of the Spine is not technically a disease but rather a condition that describes changes to the spinal discs located between the 33 vertebrae of your spine. Spinal discs change naturally as we age or they may change as a result of an injury. Either way, degenerative disc disease can lead to chronic pain and seriously impact your ability to function daily.
At Atlantic Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we have been helping patients with degenerative disc disease, as well as other degenerative disorders. Using our safe and effective chiropractic care, we have earned a trusted reputation for providing patients pain relief from degenerative disc disease and helping them restore their quality of life.
Please contact us at (386) 492-4881 to schedule an appointment. We can help you with degenerative disc disease!

What Are Spinal Discs?

Spinal discs are soft, spongy discs that separate the thirty three vertebrae that make up your spine. Spinal discs act as shock absorbers for your spine and allow your spine to move with comfort and ease.
The outer portion of a spinal disc is a tough elastic cartilage called the capsule. It surrounds and protects an interior jelly-like material called the nucleus.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

As you age, your spinal discs will naturally degenerate and change. Aside from the aging process, an injury from something like an auto accident or an injury from playing sports may also impact one or more spinal discs and start the degeneration process.  The changes and the type of degeneration typically include one or both of the following:
Reduction in Spinal Disc Thickness:  A spinal disc gradually becomes thinner as a result of fluid loss in the jelly-like interior of the disc.  When spinal discs do become thinner, it narrows the distance between vertebrae and reduces shock absorption and flexibility of the spine.
Tears or Cracks in Spinal Discs:  Small tears or cracks may develop in the outer portion of spinal discs. When this happens, the jelly-like interior may leak into these tiny tears or cracks causing them to bulge or rupture.
The development of degenerative disc disease can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and abnormal function.

Symptoms and Types of Degenerative Disc Disease

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the location of the spinal disc degeneration. If a spinal disc or multiple spinal discs in the neck region of the spine become degenerated, it may cause neck pain or arm pain. This is commonly referred to as Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease.
If a spinal disc or several spinal discs in the low back area of the spine become degenerated, it may cause low back pain or pain in the hips, buttocks and legs. This is commonly referred to as Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.
The degree of pain may also vary from numbness or tingling to intense pain that increases with movement.

Why We Will Help with Degenerative Disc Disease

The practice of chiropractic care focuses on the comprehensive health of the body’s spine and central nervous system. Our doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and treat problems with the spine and nerves of the human body. When your spine and central nervous system are healthy and free from interference (called subluxations), you will be free from pain.
The best feature about chiropractic care is that it does not use prescription drugs or surgery to treat health care problems like degenerative disc disease. It’s safe and effective.

Find a Resolution for the Pain from Degenerative Disc Disease

Life does not have to be lived enduring the pain and discomfort of degenerative disc disease. Please give us a call at (386) 492-4881 or Schedule an Appointment today!