Degenerative disc disease refers to a specific medical condition that typically happens as a process of aging as your body endures years of gradual wear and tear. The location and the severity of the degenerative disc disease's symptoms vary, so it is essential to seek professional help from Hanley Chiropractic Healthcare Inc. in Beavercreek, OH. Their team of professionals can help diagnose and create a back pain treatment plan to manage degenerative disc disease (DDD) symptoms optimally.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
As people age, intervertebral spinal discs begin to lose their water content. The outcome is that the disc becomes less flexible and more prone to damage or injury. In addition, this water loss caused by erosion can alter your spine's structure and generate various symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and stiffness. What is tricky about DDD is that certain individuals have no symptoms, while others with similar conditions may find they are challenged by chronic pain and even limited mobility.
Common Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Classic DDD symptoms include the following:
- Increasing pain from certain motions.
- Pain that radiates to one or both legs.
- Numbness or tingling in affected extremities.
- A spine lacking flexibility.
- Muscles that are weak or spastic.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
As noted above, aging is likely considered the most significant factor for someone to develop degenerative disc disease. However, the factors stated below may also increase the disease's progression or create complications:
- A family history/genetics.
- Repetitive movement.
- Smoking.
- Heavy lifting.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Extended sitting or moving awkwardly.
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease
A chiropractor has the tools and training to identify and treat degenerative disc disease. A diagnosis typically involves a complete medical history, a physical exam, and the creation of a baseline diagnostic image using an X-ray, CT Scan, MRI, etc.
Chiropractic Back Pain Treatment Options for DDD
Treating degenerative disc disease involves the creation of a tailored back treatment plan that helps you minimize pain and optimize your movement and ability to complete daily activities. A chiropractor can provide a variety of complementary treatment options that include:
- Spinal manipulations to realign the spine/nervous system.
- Spinal decompression.
- Complementary soft tissue therapies, like various massage techniques.
- Hot/cold therapy.
- Stretching/therapeutic exercises.
- OTC anti-inflammatory meds.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as correct posture, a recommended weight, proper diet, regular exercise, etc.
Surgery may be a consideration for more serious cases if conservative interventions do not bring desired results.
Contact Our Chiropractor for Help Managing Your DDD Symptoms
Are you looking for a chiropractor near you? If you live or work in the greater Beavercreek area and are experiencing frequent neck or back pain, contact a staff member at Hanley Chiropractic Healthcare Inc. at 937-426-4545 or online.