4 Ways to Improve Degenerative Disc Disease

The term degenerative disc disease is somewhat misleading, as it is not technically a disease, nor is it strictly degenerative. However, it can be corrected with holistic treatment and lifestyle changes.

The bones of the spine are called vertebrae. The discs between those bones act as shock absorbers. As we age, the discs between the vertebrae lose fluid, drying them out and making them shrink. Also, wear and tear accumulates over the years and adds to the problem.

However, other things can cause damage as well. For instance, lack of exercise, smoking, hormone imbalances, and high impact physical activity can cause disc degeneration.

As fluid decreases within the spinal discs, the outer shells deteriorate. This prevents it from absorbing shock and places pressure on the lumbar spine, cervical spine, or thoracic spine.

The additional pressure and lack of shock absorption can lead to chronic neck and back pain. It can also lead to limited mobility and tingling in the extremities. Pain may worsen during certain activities, making sitting, bending, or twisting difficult.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain. In fact, it affects nearly 30 million Americans each year. Further damage to a patient with DDD can lead to a herniated disc.

Here, Dr. Cody Doyle discusses treatment options that can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

The spine protects your entire central nervous system, which is responsible for all the muscle and organ functions within your body.

• As the intervertebral discs shrink, the bones in your spine become misaligned. This triggers the nerves in your spine to misfire, resulting in pain, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms.

Through chiropractic care, Dr. Doyle performs spinal adjustments to promote healing. During these adjustments, he uses a variety of manual and mechanical techniques to gently correct misalignments.

Acupuncture to Improve Back Pain

Proper energy flow in the body affects your performance. Disruption of your energy flow increases pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that involves inserting thin, sterilized needles into certain acupoints on the skin. When properly placed, these hair-thin needles stimulate and encourage proper energy flow.

Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a proven, effective tool to reduce neck and back pain.

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease

Building up the muscles in your back can help your spine stay properly aligned and increases your mobility and flexibility.

Back and neck injuries frequently require the avoidance of strenuous exercise for a period of time. However, some exercises and stretching can be tremendously helpful.

Dr. Doyle can prescribe physical therapy exercises that you can perform at home or at the gym to strengthen your muscles. He can also provide myofascial release therapy. This treatment is a deep muscle massage technique that releases tension and improves your flexibility and function.

Lifestyle Improvements

Smoking and obesity can worsen degenerative disc disease. Dr. Doyle encourages the avoidance of smoking and tobacco products.

Dr. Doyle can prescribe a weight loss treatment plan designed specifically for your body that helps alleviate pressure on your spine. He also offers ear acupuncture, which speeds up your metabolism and promotes effective weight loss. In addition, he offers recommendations regarding vitamins and herbal supplements. Moreover, he can let you know about foods you should incorporate in your diet or avoid.

Contact Our Office Today

If you are in the Roanoke area and have questions about treatment options, call (817) 767-5430 today. One of our helpful, friendly team members would love the opportunity to answer your questions and schedule you for a consultation.