What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease, (also called spondylosis), is typically an age-related condition, not necessarily a disease, and one of the most common causes of low back pain and neck pain. Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when spinal discs break down due to age, repeated daily stresses, wear and tear, and/or injury to the disc causing pain and other symptoms.
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, or due to injury, the discs that make up our spine can lose flexibility and their shock-absorbing capabilities as they lose the water content which gives the disc its spongy quality. As the disc dehydrates it starts to break down, or degenerate, making the disc thinner, more frail, and narrowing the space between the vertebrae causing the spine to become less stable. Severe degeneration can cause pain or compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease is a normal part of aging. Gradual changes may not cause any pain, however, some individuals may develop chronic low back pain or neck pain that is aggravated by sitting, standing for extended periods of time, lifting, twisting, or bending forward.
Other symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease include:
Degenerative Disc Treatment
The majority of degenerative disc disease can be treated without invasive procedures such as steroid injections or neck and back surgery. Typically, painkillers can become addictive and only dull the pain leaving the spine more susceptible to injury. Surgery can be a scary procedure that should not be entered into lightly. Most doctors recommend exhausting all conservative care treatments first, as they often have successful results. Non-surgical treatments such as the DRS Protocol®, available only in the Fort Wayne area at the Busch Chiropractic Pain Center, has helped thousands of patients regain their former pain-free lives without pain, addictive drugs, or long recovery times.
Surgery-Free Treatment Available in Fort Wayne, IN
The DRS Protocol®, which utilizes spinal decompression treatment, has been proven extremely effective for the treatment of degenerative disc disease as well as other spinal conditions including herniated or bulging discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and facet syndrome. Before considering neck or back surgery for a degenerative disc, contact the Busch Chiropractic Pain Center first.
Don’t let fear keep you from getting pain relief. Find out if you’re a candidate for the non-surgical DRS Protocol® treatment. Schedule an appointment online or call (260) 471-4090 today.