Degenerative Disc Disease: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease. It’s a condition that occurs naturally as you age. Most people who have problems with their discs are between 35-55 years of age and are mostly women as opposed to men. Although researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact reason for this, it’s still important to understand some of the contributing factors to herniated discs to be able to understand how to best treat them.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics, we’re well-skilled in providing chiropractic care for patients with a host of different spine and back problems. We believe in a holistic approach to pain relief and seek to relieve pain at the source. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide to how you can find pain relief with chiropractic care when it comes to degenerative disc disease.

What is a herniated disc?

The root to understanding what a herniated disc is lies first in understanding how your spine works. Our spinal cords are made up of bones, called vertebrae, whereas the cartilage cushions that sit between them are called discs. 

These discs are made up of a jelly-like interior and a tough protective exterior. If you have a herniated disc, the jelly-like interior leaks or slips out. This sort of herniation irritates nerves that are close by, causing numbing, weakness, and pain. This pain can also radiate down your arms and legs from your back. 

Although a herniated disc can be a natural part of age, there are some additional factors that can place you at an increased risk of developing a herniated disc, including:

• Being overweight or obese - Carrying excess weight places an added strain on your lower back.
• Occupation - Some jobs are more physically demanding than others and require repetitive motions that place a strain on your spinal cord. 
• Genetics - You can have a genetic predisposition for developing herniated discs.

It’s incredibly important to seek medical care for your herniated discs because leaving them untreated can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness. Herniated discs can even lead to loss of bladder and bowel function. 

Chiropractic therapy and pain relief

When it comes to pain relief, especially for your spine, chiropractic care is a great tool. The American Pain Society found that chiropractic therapy and spinal manipulation are beneficial for treating chronic lower back pain. 

And, according to The Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers, chiropractic care is a recommended method of treatment for acute lower back pain. It was named among the options that have demonstrated effectiveness when it comes to treating lower back pain. 

Additionally, chiropractic therapy is incredibly beneficial to your overall health and wellness. For US adults, of those who use chiropractic medicine, 67% seek treatment for a specific health condition, while 53% use it for overall whole-body wellness. 

If you’re having back pain or degenerative disc disease, chiropractic therapy and spinal manipulation could provide you with some much-needed relief. Call us, or book an appointment right on our website today.