Degenerative Disc Disease
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Conditions Treated Degenerative Disc Disease
Regain Your Active Life
We want to see all our patients attain and maintain a level of wellness care. This is when your body is fully healed and only needing maintenance adjustments. It is still recommended to come in for periodic adjustments to keep things running smoothly. This requires a quick visit 1-4 times per month based on your lifestyle and goals.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is when natural changes in the discs of your spine cause pain. The discs between vertebrae act as shock absorbers for your spine, and as you age, they begin to lose flexibility. While this is a normal part of aging, it should not cause pain. If you experience pain due to this, it is classified as degenerative disc disease.
Each disc is composed of a sturdy outer wall and a soft, gel-like inner core. When we are born, these discs are primarily composed of water, but as age advances, the discs lose some of this water content and begin to get thinner. As you might imagine, this means each disc doesn’t absorb the shocks of everyday life as well.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
- Pain in the neck or lower back
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
- Pain that improves with changing positions
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the legs or feet
Risk Factors of Degenerative Disc Disease
- Age
- Genetics
- Poor posture
- Repetitive spinal motions
- Heavy lifting
Possible Cause
Possible causes of degenerative disc disease include age-related wear and tear, spinal injuries, and underlying medical conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.