Degenerative disc disease happens as you age and as the discs in your back wear down. Not only that, but the condition can be also painful and lead to further complications. At Advanced Physical Medicine of Yorkville in Yorkville, IL, we provide treatment to alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life. Prior to visiting us, learn more about degenerative disc below:
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease isn’t technically a disease. It is a condition that occurs when your spinal discs deteriorate and dry out due to aging. While degenerative disc disease mostly affects your back, it can also impact your neck, buttocks, and thighs. It is important to seek treatment if you have this condition, as it can cause debilitating pain and even lead to paralysis.
Causes
The most common cause of degenerative disc disease is age, since our discs break down as we get older. Specifically, the discs don't contain as much fluid, which decreases their flexibility and impacts how well they act as a shock absorber. Tears and cracks may occur in the outer shell of the disc over time as well and contribute to the condition as well. In addition, an injury that causes a herniated disc can also lead to degenerative disc disease.
Symptoms
Since disc degeneration can also happen in the neck, you may have symptoms in your neck, back, or both. While you might experience pain, not everyone with the condition has pain. If you do have pain, it can be tolerable or debilitating. The discomfort may also radiate to your buttocks, hips, and arms. You may also feel tingling in your extremities and weakness in your leg muscles.
Treatment
Our chiropractors often use a chiropractic adjustment for degenerative disc disease, which helps realign the spine and eases pressure on the discs. We may also utilize spinal decompression to help reduce your discomfort. During this treatment, a specialized device is used to stretch the spine and alleviate pressure on the discs. Sometimes, we might combine therapies to alleviate your pain and help you heal faster.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you have pain due to degenerative disc disease, let our team at Advanced Physical Medicine of Yorkville in Yorkville, IL, help. We will evaluate your condition and create a customized treatment plan to eliminate the ache and improve your overall health. To schedule your appointment, call us at (630) 239-7284 today.