Cody B. Doyle DC, DIANM | Chiropractor Roanoke Tx 76262 | Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist

Board Certified Chiropractor Serving Patients in Roanoke, Keller, and Fort Worth Texas

Stay Ahead of Degenerative Disk Disease With These Tips

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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.

Degenerative Disk Disease–Can a Chiropractor Help?

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Degenerated disc in x-ray viewYou awaken with a slight backache that is unresponsive to medications, heating pads, Epsom salt baths, or other remedies. You have run out of options and have decided that the problem may be bigger than you thought.

Knowing you have degenerative disc disease, you scour the internet for help. Surprisingly, you find out many people with your symptoms get help from a chiropractor.

Today, Dr. Cody Doyle explores several aspects of this painful condition. We will also discuss how we can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms at our Roanoke, TX practice.

What is Degenerative Disk Disease?

Degenerative disk disease (DDD) involves damage to the spinal discs between the vertebrae, which results in pain. The pain usually occurs in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or mid-back, and may radiate down the arms or legs.

Consider thinking of your spinal disks like the shock absorbers on a car. Your spinal disks have the job of buffering any impact your body may encounter. With repeated impacts, the disks get less effective at absorbing the shocks.

Eventually, those disks may not work well in absorbing the impacts your body encounters. Over time, this wear and tear causes more damage, leading to DDD.

What Are the Causes and Effects of Disk Disease?

The causes and effects of disc degeneration are intertwined into the aging process and can become a long term issue.

As your body matures, your structure changes, including bones, joints, and disks. You may begin to develop pain in areas that were once pain-free.

DDD begins with your intervertebral discs changing, which also affects your mobility. You may also notice differences in your spine and joints.

Things you used to do easily now leave you with pain because of your damaged discs. Sometimes, it can progress to a herniated disc.

Several factors can cause your disks to deteriorate. Some of the most common include:

  • Condition of the disc: As we age, our disks lose water, causing them to dry out and shrink. Therefore, they cannot absorb the shocks that occur with impacts on our bodies as well as they used to.
  • Your daily activity level: Exercise, sports, and other physical activities may exacerbate any symptoms.
  • Accidents and injuries: Trauma can cause pain, weakness, and swelling. You may even notice “pops and cracks” down your spine when you get out of bed and as you attempt to walk or bend over.

What are the Symptoms?

DDD has an array of symptoms with some of the most common being:

  • Numbness and “tingling” sensations in your limbs
  • Tolerable pain that escalates into unbearable agony
  • Pain that worsens when you bend over, walk, sit, or even standstill
  • Pain that reaches down to your lumbar spine, buttocks, and thighs
  • “Shooting” pain or pain that spikes without warning

What Does A Diagnosis of Disk Disease Include?

A diagnosis of DDD may include:

  • A thorough examination of your back and body, including X-rays and other digital imaging
  • A review of your medical history
  • Description of the symptoms you are having

How Can Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture Help Me?

At Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we understand that pain is uncomfortable, debilitating, and for many, depressing. Waking up every day to lower back pain, or “tingling” sensations in the arms and legs is not productive.

Our caring team provides comprehensive care to address your symptoms.

Dr. Cody Doyle has over two decades of experience in treating pain with numerous alternative medicine options. He has the knowledge, experience, and compassion you are looking for. We can provide you with an effective treatment plan that is customized for you and your unique needs.

Dr. Doyle’s back and neck pain treatments consist of:

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

 Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture Today

You deserve a pain-free life, and Dr. Doyle will work to ensure you have one. During a consultation, he can discuss treatment options, which may include some of the most innovative approaches to alternative medicine. Contact Doyle Chiropractic & Acupuncture online, or by dialing 817-767-5430.