Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a medical condition that typically results from years of movement and the body's everyday wear and tear. The location and intensity of DDD symptoms can vary, so effectively managing this condition usually requires a professional chiropractic evaluation. Dr. Sean Sorell and Dr. Scott Iversen of Sorell-Iversen Chiropractic Clinic in Manhattan, KS, can diagnose and create a back pain treatment plan to manage DDD symptoms.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
As individuals age, the intervertebral discs in their spine begin to lose water content, leading to inflexibility and an increased risk of injury. This reduction in water content can alter the spine's structure, resulting in back pain and other symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
DDD can be challenging because some individuals exhibit no symptoms, while others experience impaired mobility and chronic pain. Classic symptoms of DDD include:
- Increasing pain with movement
- Reduced spinal flexibility
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Pain radiating down one or both legs
- Weak or spastic muscles
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Aging is the primary factor in the development and progression of DDD. However, other factors can contribute and lead to further complications:
- Repetitive movement
- Heavy lifting
- A family history of DDD
- Excessive weight
- Smoking
- Prolonged sitting or awkward positions that strain the spine
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat degenerative disc disease using diagnostic imaging options such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease
Effectively treating degenerative disc disease requires a personalized back pain management plan that promotes better movement and optimal functioning. A chiropractor can provide a variety of complementary treatment options, including:
- Spinal manipulations to realign the spine and nervous system
- Complementary soft tissue therapies
- Cervical, lumbar, and spinal decompression treatments
Lifestyle adjustments, such as:
- Nutritional counseling
- Regular exercise
- Posture correction
Surgery may be considered if conservative interventions, such as spinal decompression treatments, fail to produce desired outcomes.
Contact a Leading Chiropractor Near You
If you are experiencing frequent neck or back pain and would like additional information, contact Dr. Sorell, Dr. Iversen, or a staff member at Sorell-Iversen Chiropractic Clinic in Manhattan, KS at 785-776-7568 or online. We look forward to helping reduce or alleviate your pain and other symptoms.