Degenerative disc disease care in Orland Park
Understanding (and treating) the changes that happen to your spine as you age.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not as much a disease as it is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age. Our discs are made of a tough, rubbery exterior and a soft interior. They sit between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. As we age, the spinal discs begin to degenerate, and that can lead to herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The degeneration of spinal discs may cause no symptoms at all, and symptoms depend on each patient and the severity of their case. Pain may occur at the site of the affected disc in the back or neck. Because the pain is often caused by compressed nerves, it can also travel to other areas of the body, like the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also be experienced. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Causes
Our spines degenerate as a natural part of aging. Tears in the tougher outer layer of the disc are common as we grow older, and when discs begin to lose fluid they become smaller and less flexible. In addition to aging, other factors may come into play, including obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury.
How we treat it
Pain caused by degeneration is often treated conservatively, and that is where chiropractic care shines. Rather than masking the pain, Dr. Beekman examines your spine to find exactly what is driving your symptoms, then builds a personalized plan that can include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercise, and supporting therapies. When disc degeneration causes problems like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis, treatment such as physical therapy and stretching may be beneficial; surgery is a last resort, reserved for severe cases.
Frequent back or neck pain? While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, there are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. Visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.
Questions, answered
Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?
Not really. It is a name for the changes that can happen to the spine as we age. The discs between the vertebrae begin to degenerate over time, which can lead to herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
What does the pain feel like?
Symptoms vary from patient to patient; some people have none at all. Pain may occur at the affected disc in the back or neck, and because compressed nerves are often involved, it can travel to the buttocks, arms, and legs. Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs may also occur. Pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.
Can I prevent disc degeneration from getting worse?
Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, but there are things you can do to prevent pain and stay healthy. Beyond aging, factors like obesity, smoking, repeated physical work, and injury can play a role. If you are experiencing frequent back or neck pain, visit our office for an examination so we can create a treatment plan for you.
Don't let disc pain set your limits
An examination tells us exactly what's going on, and what to do about it.