Are you experiencing increased back or neck pain, limiting your daily activities? This could be due to degenerative disc disease, a common condition that develops as we age. The good news is that with proper management, you can still live an active and fulfilling life! At Armstrong Chiropractic in Temple, TX, we specialize in degenerative disc disease treatment and can help you understand this condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
Your spine is made up of vertebrae, with discs acting as cushions between them. These discs absorb shock and allow for smooth movement. Unfortunately, discs deteriorate over time, leading to degenerative disc disease. Several changes within the discs can contribute to pain, including:
- Dehydration and thinning: Discs lose their water content, making them less effective at absorbing shock.
- Tears and cracks: Tears or cracks in the disc's outer shell can irritate surrounding nerves.
- Bulging or herniated discs: When the disc's inner material pushes through a tear, it can put pressure on nerves, causing pain.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
While the risk of degenerative disc disease increases with age (over 40), other factors can contribute, such as:
- Occupations involving heavy lifting: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can put stress on the discs.
- Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to disc degeneration than others.
Degenerative disc disease often presents with:
- Neck or back pain: This is the most common symptom, ranging from dull aches to sharp pains or burning sensations.
- Pain radiating to the arms or legs: Depending on the affected area of the spine, pain may travel down your limbs.
- Worsening pain with certain movements: Activities like bending, lifting, or twisting may exacerbate pain.
Find Relief Through Chiropractic Care and Other Treatments
Chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in managing degenerative disc disease. Chiropractors use targeted adjustments to realign the spine, potentially relieving nerve pressure and promoting pain relief. At Armstrong Chiropractic, we offer a variety of treatment options in addition to chiropractic adjustments, including:
- Electrical muscle stimulation: This therapy uses gentle electrical currents to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote muscle relaxation.
- Trigger point therapy: By applying pressure to specific trigger points in your muscles, this therapy can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Corrective exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve your core strength, posture, and flexibility, reducing stress on your spine.
- Lifestyle advice: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and using proper lifting techniques can significantly impact your back health.
- Nutritional counseling: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support your body's natural healing processes.
Your Partner in Back Pain Management
Looking for a chiropractor near you in Temple to help you manage degenerative disc disease? At Armstrong Chiropractic, we're committed to providing effective, personalized treatment plans. Contact us today at (254) 778-5575 to schedule an appointment and take control of your back pain.
