Can a Chiropractor Help With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Various health concerns and lifestyle choices can lead to damaged discs between the spine’s vertebrae. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, often causes intense back pain and limited spinal mobility. If you’re looking for relief from these symptoms, you might be wondering, “Can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease?”

Chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for anyone with degenerative disc disease. Learn how experts help manage chronic back pain and protect your spinal health.

How a Chiropractor Treats Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions

Some people assume that chiropractic care is only an option for treating acute injuries, like a pulled back muscle or whiplash after a car accident. However, medical professionals treat many patients with chronic conditions like arthritis and degenerative disc disease. Treatment plans often include chiropractic adjustments as well as soft tissue therapy, though experts may also recommend other types of non-surgical treatment.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or have been diagnosed with some type of musculoskeletal condition, consider seeing a chiropractor in Port St. Lucie, FL. They can assess your mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, and more before developing a treatment plan.

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Symptoms and Causes

As you age, the spine’s structure and function may become compromised. Many older adults experience back pain due to the natural wear in their spinal discs. However, other possible causes of degenerative disc disease include:

• Weak bones or muscles
• Traumatic accidents
• Poor posture
• Smoking
• A sedentary lifestyle

Back pain is the most prominent symptom, though others may soon develop. Some people notice numbness or a tingling sensation in their legs, along with a stiff back and limited spinal mobility.

Using heat or ice on your back could ease some of the pain and relax your muscles. Over-the-counter pain medications can also provide temporary relief. But can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease long-term, or should you seek treatment elsewhere?

Chiropractic Techniques Used When Treating Degenerative Disc Disease

Chiropractors approach degenerative disc disease in a few different ways. Treatment can vary by patient, as care teams need to assess the symptoms and severity of the disease. Some of the most common pain relief methods include:

• Spinal manipulation: Standard chiropractic adjustments are ideal for correcting misaligned joints and relieving compressed nerves.
• Flexion-distraction: This hands-on technique focuses on stretching the spine and is most often used to treat herniated discs.
• Massage therapy: Chiropractors may incorporate massage therapy into their treatment plans to ease tense muscles and reduce inflammation.
• Spinal decompression therapy: Patients will lie on a motorized table that gently stretches the spine and reduces nerve pressure.

How else can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease? Suppose your disc damage stems from a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture. Chiropractors often educate patients on maintaining the proper posture and can provide tips for living a more active life.

Comparing Chiropractic Care and Surgical Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

Patients with severe disc degeneration may need surgery to correct their spinal health issues. However, those with a mild case of DDD could opt for chiropractic care to manage their pain and protect their spine. Both treatment plans may bring relief, though they differ in many ways, including:

• Invasiveness: Chiropractic care is non-invasive, making it a popular alternative to going under the knife.
• Health risks: Every surgery brings a risk of infection and complications. Chiropractic treatments tend to come with far fewer risks.
• Downtime: Spinal surgery usually comes with a lengthy recovery period. Meanwhile, there is no downtime after a chiropractic adjustment or similar therapies.
• Treatment costs: Chiropractic care can be a cost-effective solution, whereas the costs associated with spinal surgery and rehabilitation quickly add up.

Not only can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease, but they also don’t rely on medications or invasive treatments. Patients who want to take a more holistic approach to treating back pain should consider making an appointment with a chiropractor.

Pain Relief Is Possible at ChiroCare of Florida

How can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease? Is it safe to receive chiropractic adjustments after spinal fusion? What are the signs of a herniated disc?

At ChiroCare of Florida, these are just some of the many questions we hear from concerned patients. Thankfully, our team has years of experience and can always provide clear answers.

If you’re worried about your musculoskeletal health, consult our experts. We deliver top-notch chiropractic care that’s tailored to your needs. Connect with us online or call our clinic at (772) 279-8048 to make an appointment.