Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc Disease

According to national statistics, there are approximately 65 million adults who suffer from lower back pain. Almost $90 million is spent every year by these back-pain sufferers on medications, medical devices, and medical treatments. Some of these people will find relief, but many others will suffer long-term, chronic pain because of conditions that require ongoing treatments. One of the most common of these medical conditions is degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative disc disease is caused by normal wear and tear of the discs that are in our spines. Discs are located between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. The discs are soft and spongy, however, as people age, the discs begin to wear down. As this happens, they no longer provide the cushioning they once did. This lack of cushioning causes the bones to rub together, leaving the person suffering from pain and discomfort. The most common discs that degenerate are located in the lower back (medically referred to as the lumbar area) and the neck (medically referred to as the cervical area).

It is estimated that about 85 percent of people who are over 50 years of age will show symptoms of degenerative disc disease. It is a pretty common medical condition that is very difficult to treat. Some of the treatment options include pain medications, injections, and surgery. These are all invasive treatments that are not guaranteed to work.

There are also effective treatments that are not invasive or painful. These are treatments provided by chiropractors. This is done using chiropractic manipulation, also referred to as adjustments. The manipulations are gentle and targeted and help alleviate the pressure on the compressed tissue and nerves. These treatments can actually help the body begin to repair itself in a natural way.

One common treatment for degenerative disc disease is spinal decompression. The procedure is performed with the use of a special table. The table pulls and stretches the patient’s spine gently and slowly. The space between the vertebrae increases and this reduces the pressure on the injured disc. While this is happening, there is a pumping action that brings water, oxygen, and other fluids diffused throughout the area. This helps to promote healing of the area.

Let a Chiropractor Help

While there are many types of symptoms and conditions that will prompt people to seek out medical attention right away, many of us tend to ignore or put off having pain issues checked out by a medical professional. Many people tend to dismiss pain as something that occurred because they must have overexerted themselves, slept on it the wrong way, or even just attribute it to getting old.

If you are suffering from chronic pain or other health conditions that you cannot find relief from, you may be considering chiropractic treatment. Call a back pain chiropractor in Gaithersburg, MD, today to schedule a visit.

Thank you to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into some important facts about chiropractic care.