Degenerative disc disease is a medical condition that occurs as a person ages and causes wear and tear on the mesolectal system. The severity of the symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease vary, so a professional assessment is the best path to properly managing the symptoms and condition. At Woods Chiropractic in Norman, OK, we can help diagnose the condition and provide treatment that will alleviate any discomfort you may have.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
As people grow older, the discs in the spine begin to lose their moisture content and experience erosion that may lead to spinal structural changes. As a result, the discs are more vulnerable to injury or damage and are not able to cushion the bones of the spine as well. While certain individuals may be asymptomatic to degenerative disc disease, others may experience chronic pain and impaired mobility. Some other common symptoms of the condition include:
- Pain that increases with movement or specific activities
- Leg pain that radiates down one or both legs
- Radiating back pain that may include tingling and numbness
- Spine inflexibility
- Muscle weakness and spasms
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
While aging is typically the most common factor for degenerative disc disease, other causes can contribute to the condition. Some of these causes include the following:
- Genetics
- Repetitive motions
- Heavy lifting
- Lifestyle factors like excess weight and smoking
- Certain jobs that involve long periods of sitting and add stress or strain on your spine
Diagnosing Degenerative Disc Disease
When you visit us, our chiropractor will diagnose degenerative disc disease and create an individualized treatment plan to relieve your ache. In order to confirm the condition, we will perform a medical exam and relevant diagnostic imaging, which may include an MRI, X-ray, or CT Scan.
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease
Treating degenerative disc disease involves providing relief for back pain and leg pain while improving your function and movement. Some treatments our chiropractor may utilize include:
- Spinal manipulation
- Heat and cold therapy
- OTC anti-inflammatory medicine
- Therapeutic stretching exercises
- Soft tissue therapies, such as massage therapy
- Recommendations on lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing proper posture
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing frequent leg or back pain, it may be due to degenerative disc disease. At Woods Chiropractic in Norman, OK, we offer various treatments to relieve your symptoms and improve your health. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, contact us at (405) 360-8000 today. When you’re looking for a chiropractor near me, our team is happy to help!