What Is Disc Degeneration?
Disc degeneration occurs when the intervertebral discs, the soft, cushion-like structures between the vertebrae in your spine, begin to wear down over time. This natural aging process can lead to decreased disc height, loss of flexibility, and the potential for nerve compression. As a result, disc degeneration can cause pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the back and neck.
What Causes Disc Degeneration?
Several factors contribute to disc degeneration, including:
- Aging: As we age, the discs lose moisture, elasticity, and flexibility, making them more prone to wear and tear.
- Repetitive Stress: Repeated movements, lifting, or poor posture can place stress on the discs, accelerating degeneration.
- Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or heavy lifting can cause immediate damage to the discs, leading to faster degeneration.
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to disc degeneration.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can put additional strain on the spine and discs, contributing to degeneration.
Signs of Disc Degeneration
Common signs and symptoms of disc degeneration include:
- Chronic back or neck pain that worsens with movement or certain positions
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the spine
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms if nerve compression occurs
- Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods
- Pain that radiates to other areas, such as the arms or legs
How We Can Help
We offer treatments designed to manage the symptoms of disc degeneration and promote healing. Our treatments may include:
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Pain Relief Injections: Epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections to reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae, reduce nerve compression, and improve spinal health.
- Regenerative Medicine: Cutting-edge treatments like stem cell therapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to promote tissue repair and reduce pain.
- Posture and Ergonomics Training: Guidance on maintaining proper posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the spine and prevent further degeneration.
Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you live a more active, pain-free life despite disc degeneration.
Schedule an appointment today and start your journey to recovery from disc degeneration.
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