Degenerative Disc Disease- What You Need to Know- by Dr Jeff Langmaid

Lumbar degenerative disc disease affects millions of American per year.  Spine-Health defines it as “… a misunderstood condition, despite being one of the leading sources of back pain and neck pain. This condition is not actually a disease -- it is part of the normal aging of the spine. In this condition, the discs in the spine (the pillow-like pads between the bones) lose their cushioning. When this happens, it can cause persistent pain in the lower back, legs, neck or arms. Treatments for pain caused by degenerative disc disease can include medications and physical therapy. Sometimes back surgery is needed if the pain is severe and causes a person the inability to participate in everyday activities.”

Conservative treatment can be very effective and “For most people, degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated with conservative (meaning non-surgical) care…

The ongoing pain, as well as the frequency and intensity of the flares, can be mitigated through a number of non-surgical options.”  Among the non-surgical options, chiropractic care “can relieve low back pain through several means, including taking pressure off sensitive nerves or tissue, increasing range of motion, restoring blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and – as with more active exercise - promoting the release of endorphins within the body to act as natural painkillers.”

Degenerative lumbar disc disease is one of the most common conditions I see in practice.  Many people are looking for conservative, non-invasive treatment for their conditions.  Chiropractic care is a great option in your road back to health.