When we are younger our spine is fully cushioned and supported by padded disks that are located in between the vertebra in the spine. They act as shock absorbers allowing you to comfortably twist, bend, and move. After age 40 most people will begin to experience some level of spinal degeneration and loss of fullness in that padding.
Disk Disease occurs when the vertebral disks wear away faster than normally expected, often exacerbated by trauma.
Pain occurs from the worn disks due to friction. The bone may become exposed directly to bone and may also pinch nerves causing further issues. This contact pain can lead to issues such as:
- Adult scoliosis
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Disk degeneration can lead to pain in approximately 5% of adults.
- Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing disk disease include:
- Acute injuries
- Falls
- Chronic obesity
- Biological sex, with women being more likely to experience symptoms
- Smoking
- Working a physically demanding job
SYMPTOMS
- The most common symptoms of degenerative disk disease are back pain and neck pain.
- Pain may come and go, and may last for weeks or months
- You may experience numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
- Pain and numbness can radiate down your buttocks and lower back
- Pain worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- This condition is diagnosed using X rays, MRI, and CT scans, as well as taking into consideration reflexes, and pain levels.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Chiropractic treatments
- Stretching
- Hot/Cold therapy
- Exercise
- Physical therapy may be recommended
- Medications such as muscle relaxers and steroids may be prescribed
- Radiofrequency neurotomy may also be suggested.
- Decompression therapy
If none of these options offer relief surgery may be recommended.
SLOW THE PROGRESSION
- Quit Smoking
- Maintain a healthy BMI
- Exercise regularly
- Stretching and yoga
THE OUTLOOK
Many patients use at-home treatments to manage pain and discomfort long-term. You will need to continue treatment to keep the pain at bay and your body is good working order.
Ongoing regular chiropractic treatments as well as massage therapy sessions are highly recommended.
Most people who have surgery for degenerative disk disease experience some level of relief. However, even after surgery, do need to continue exercising and stretching to keep their bodies strong and healthy.
If you are in the Fort Myers, Florida area we invite you to make an appointment with Kaster Chiropractic. We can help to diagnose and treat your condition allowing your body to function at its full potential.
Call the office at 239-332-2555 to schedule! You may also visit www.kasterchiropractic.com to learn more about our practice.