What is Degenerative Disc Disease: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment Options
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs in the spine, often leading to discomfort and pain. Though the name suggests a disease, DDD is actually a common condition that is a natural part of aging. At Jeffers Chiropractic in San Diego, CA, we specialize in comprehensive care solutions, including chiropractic care and spinal decompression, to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of degenerative disc disease. This guide will walk you through understanding DDD, its stages, causes, and possible treatments.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition where the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the spinal vertebrae, begin to wear down over time. This can result in pain, instability, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Often, it is caused by the loss of fluid in the discs, reducing their ability to absorb forces.
What are the Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease progresses through several stages, each with varying levels of symptoms and effects on the spine. Progression from one stage to the next can take decades based on various contributing factors.
Stage 1: Dysfunction
In the dysfunction stage, small tears appear in the disc's outer layer, causing pain and potential instability in the spine. This stage may present with mild discomfort and infrequent spasms. Spinal subluxations and altered mechanics plays a large role in the development of this stage.
Stage 2: Dehydration
During the dehydration phase, the discs loses its hydration and starts to compress, losing height and elasticity. Patients often notice increased stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine.
Stage 3: Stabilization
The body begins to respond by forming bone spurs to stabilize the spine. While these can provide some stability, they also greatly reduce the spinal normal movement patterns. During this stage, bone spurs may begin to impinge surround nerves and the joints around your spine may become osteoarthritic.
Stage 4: Collapsing
In the collapsing stage, the disc is significantly degraded. The spine can lose its natural curve, and symptoms such as severe pain, tingling, and numbness can become more prevalent. One of the main reasons we generally lose our height as we age is due to the shrinking and collapsing of our intervertebral discs.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is mainly caused by the natural aging process and will occur at some point in your life, sometimes beginning in your mid-late 30’s. Progression and symptoms of DDD can develop at different rates and be influenced by a variety of factors.
Is Degenerative Disc Disease Hereditary?
Genetic factors can contribute to DDD, making some individuals more predisposed to developing the condition at an earlier age. If you have a family history of spinal issues, it may increase your likelihood of experiencing similar problems.
What are the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Common symptoms include chronic back pain, stiffness, and discomfort that can radiate to the arms or legs due to nerve irritation. People may also experience increased pain with activities like bending, reaching, or lifting.
Can You Treat Degenerative Disc Disease?
While DDD is not curable, there are various treatment options available to manage and alleviate symptoms effectively. DDD is not always the cause of spinal pain so getting a proper diagnosis from your chiropractor is the first step to understanding your symptoms. Treatments range from physical therapy, chiropractic care, custom orthotics, and health and nutrition adjustments to more advanced methods like spinal decompression therapy.
How Can Spinal Decompression Help Manage Degenerative Disc Disease?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction-based therapy aimed at relieving pressure from the spinal discs. By gently stretching the spine, it helps to improve disc height, reduce pain, and promote healing by enhancing nutrient and oxygen flow to the affected areas.
How Long Does Degenerative Disc Disease Take to Heal?
Healing time for DDD varies based on individual health, the stage of the disease, and chosen treatment methods. While some patients experience relief within a few weeks of starting chiropractic and decompression therapy, more advanced cases may take several months for optimal results.
Contact San Diego Disc Centers for Help Managing Degenerative Disc Disease
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of degenerative disc disease, contact Jeffers Chiropractic in San Diego, CA. Our team is dedicated to offering personalized, effective care strategies, including spinal decompression and chiropractic care, to improve your quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey towards spinal health and comfort.
