Degenerative Disc Disease

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. They are made up of a tough outer layer and a soft inner layer. The soft inner layer contains a gel-like substance that helps to absorb shock and allow the spine to move smoothly.

As you age, the discs in your spine can start to break down and cause degenerative disk disease. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Age: The discs in your spine naturally start to break down as you get older.
• Injury: A back injury can damage the discs in your spine.
• Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop degenerative disc disease due to their genetics.
• Occupational factors: Some occupations, such as those that involve heavy lifting or repetitive bending, can put more stress on the discs in your spine and increase your risk of developing degenerative disc disease.

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Pain that radiates down the arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking or standing

What are the Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease?

The exact cause of degenerative disc disease is not fully understood. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of the condition, including:

• Age: The discs in your spine naturally start to break down as you get older.
• Injury: A back injury can damage the discs in your spine.
• Genetics: Some people are more likely to develop DDD due to their genetics.
• Occupational factors: Some occupations, such as those that involve heavy lifting or repetitive bending, can put more stress on the discs in your spine and increase your risk of developing DDD.

Heavy lifting, smoking, and poor posture have also been proven to be a major cause of degenerative disc disease.

What are Common Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease?

There are a number of treatment options available for degenerative disc disease, including:

• Rest: In some cases, rest is the best way to relieve pain and allow the discs in your spine to heal.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your range of motion.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to relieve pain. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
• Injections: Injections of steroids or other medications can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and improve function.

What can I do to prevent Degenerative Disc Disease?

There is no sure way to prevent degenerative disc disease, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Good posture
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding heavy lifting or repetitive bending

What is the prognosis for Degenerative Disc Disease?

The prognosis for degenerative disc disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and your individual symptoms. In most cases, DDD is a chronic condition that will require ongoing treatment. However, with proper treatment, you can often manage your symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

How Can Chiropractic Treatment help Degenerative Disc Disorder?

Chiropractic treatment can be a helpful option for people with degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to help improve spinal alignment and reduce inflammation, which can relieve pain and improve function. Some of the most common chiropractic techniques used for DDD include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Stretching
• Massage
• Exercise

Chiropractic treatment can help to relieve pain and improve function in people with degenerative disc disease in a number of ways. First, chiropractic adjustments can help to restore proper alignment to the spine. This can reduce pressure on the nerves and reduce inflammation, which can lead to pain relief. Second, chiropractic can help to improve range of motion and flexibility. This can help to reduce pain and make it easier to move around. Third, chiropractic can help to strengthen the muscles and improve posture. This can help to reduce stress on the spine and prevent further damage.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.
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Begin with chiropractic care today

To learn more about degenerative disc disease treatment at Indian Harbor Chiropractic call the office or request your appointment today.