Stay Ahead of Degenerative Disk Disease With These Tips

Many of our patients come to our Roanoke, TX chiropractic clinic seeking relief from degenerative disk disease (DDD). The condition arises when an individual has a damaged vertebral disc that causes pain. The spinal disks buffer impacts to the body. Over time, the spinal disks can become worn. While many of the causes are often linked to aging, lifestyle, posture, and health-related habits play a key role in when symptoms of this condition arise.  

Our team at Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms at our Roanoke, TX practice. If you were recently diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, many of these tips can help you manage or alleviate DDD-related symptoms.

Tips for Preventing Degenerative Disk Disease

Age is a leading risk factor for DDD. We can’t prevent aging, of course, but we can try to avoid activities and habits that increase the risk for DDD. Injury is a leading cause of this condition. If you engage in sports or weight lifting that puts undue stress on your vertebrae, you may be increasing your chances for developing degenerative disk disease. When playing contact sports, think about the long-term effects the repetitive impacts can have on your joints and back.

Exercises like running, swimming, and biking are less likely to cause injury to your back. When choosing which sports you want to engage in, keep the long-term health of your back in mind. One standard for exercising that we recommend following is set by The American Council on Exercise, which recommends taking a 30-minute walk (or similar activity) five or more times per week.

If you regularly lift weights, learn to use good form. This involves learning about body mechanics (exercises that improve posture, stamina, and coordination). Hiring a physical trainer is one way to learn how to exercise in a way that compliments your body’s natural movements. Yoga also teaches mindfulness about body posture and balance.

Other useful tips include:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to a host of health problems, including disk degeneration.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Dr. Doyle may recommend diet and weight loss as part of your treatment plan. If he does, take it seriously. Individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher are at increased risk for degenerative disk disorder. Weight loss will also translate directly to lower discomfort and back pain.
• Eat a bone-healthy diet: Vitamin D is proven to promote bone health. Calcium, zinc, and iron are also known to help maintain healthy bones. Dr. Doyle may recommend other supplements as well to promote disk health.

If you are diagnosed with DDD, Dr. Doyle will provide comprehensive care to address your symptoms. Dr. Doyle has over two decades of experience in treating pain with alternative medicine and other methods. His treatment options may include:

• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Education and information

Contact a Local Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX

You do not have to live with the pain of degenerative disk disease. Unlike other parts of the body, the discs receive very little blood supply, meaning that once a disc is injured it cannot repair itself. Dr. Doyle has more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating degenerative disk disease. To schedule an exploratory exam, contact Dr. Doyle at (817) 767-5430 or visit our website to set up an initial appointment.