A recent study showed promising results for quick pain reduction in just one chiropractic visit. The study was published in the archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In the study researchers assigned 40 male participants in the age range of 30 to 40 who had a diagnosis of degenerative lumbar disease.
The participants were divided in half. One group received spinal manipulations while the other group received placebo treatments.
Results showed that spinal manipulation renders a quicker recovery in patients with degenerative spine. An improvement in self-perceived pain and an increase in height, spinal flexion, and hip flexion was observed in only one session of treatment.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs in the spine break down and start to lose flexibility. It is one of the most common causes of back pain and it accounts for nearly all back surgery cases.
With degeneration, the disc’s capability to act as a cushion is decreased or lost. Degeneration usually happens as we age due to wear and tear over time. However, not all people will experience symptoms. Disc degeneration may also occur in young people. Factors like a physically demanding job, smoking, slipping, falling, poor posture or involvement in an auto accident may also cause the spine to degenerate.
How does it happen?
The discs in the spine act as shock absorbers. They allow flexibility and movement and help the spine carry weight. The discs’ water content is responsible for maintaining movement in the spine. But as we age, our discs lose their water content and when they dehydrate, they become thinner. Their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics are reduced because the discs lose their height, and the vertebrae are now close to each other. Hence, the spine is now in a state where it’s rigid and motions are restricted.
A narrowing of the nerve openings in the spine may also occur since the vertebrae are now close together. As degeneration progress, the discs may bulge or herniate. When this happen, the nerves may be impinged and will cause more problems.
The cervical and lumbar regions are the most common areas in the spine where degeneration occurs.
The symptoms of disc disease
Degenerative disc disease may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. In terms of its symptoms, the most common and most debilitating is pain. The pain is usually felt in the area where there is disc degeneration. Pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates to the thigh, leg, or foot can be experienced. Sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and twisting can aggravate the pain further.
Chiropractic Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease
The most common method used in chiropractic is spinal manipulation. It helps regain the spine’s flexibility, reduces pain, and realigns the spine. Studies have shown that spinal manipulation is safe and effective in treating back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Some of the benefits that can be gained through spinal manipulation are an increase in height, reduced pain, improved movement, and relieving stress in the nervous system.
Aside from spinal manipulation, chiropractors also use other treatments such as exercise, spinal decompression therapy, manual therapy, massage therapy, and trigger point therapy. These can promote more movement in the spine. Application of ice, ultrasound and interferential electro-therapy may also be used to reduce pain. All of these treatment methods are helpful to eliminate pain and can prevent the recurrence of the impairments brought about by disc degeneration.
Chiropractic care will not only treat your symptoms, but it will also re-establish your well-being.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Fort Myers
Ready to try chiropractic and decompression therapy for your back and spine pain? Fort Myers Chiropractor , Dr. Jason B. Kaster, has the experience and knowledge to help patients reduce the discomfort caused by degenerative disc disease.
Visit us! Schedule today www.kasterchiropractic.com 239-332-2555.