Disc Degeneration
Most everyone’s spinal discs show signs of wear and tear as we age. In fact, more than 90% of the population will experience debilitating back pain at least once in their lives. Not everyone, however, will endure disc degeneration, also known as degenerative disc disease. If you suspect you might have disc degeneration, it’s important that you are seen by a trained chiropractor as soon as possible. The team at Brainard Chiropractic, the premier chiropractic clinic of Fremont, NE, can arm you with the right information and provide you with effective relief.
What Causes Disc Degeneration?
Spinal discs are present between the bones of the spine. They are there for protection, ensuring flexibility and spinal health. Because of their low blood supply, discs are unable to repair themselves when an injury or breakdown occurs. This degeneration of the disc typically occurs over a twenty to thirty year period and is most common in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
What Are the Symptoms of Disc Degeneration?
Many of us assume degenerative disc disease only occurs in elderly patients. However, the typical DDD patient is in her/his thirties or forties, living an otherwise healthy and active lifestyle.
Common symptoms of disc degeneration include:
- Pain that intensifies when sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting
- Back pain relief when walking or running
- Relief when lying down or shifting positions
- Bouts of intense pain that can last a few days to a few months
- Depending upon where the affected disc is, this pain can affect the neck, lower back, buttocks, and/or thighs and ranges from nagging to crippling pain
- Numbness and tingling in extremities
- Foot drop or weakness in legs, which could be an indicator of damage to the nerve root
Contact Fremont’s Most Trusted Chiropractor
Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms? Not sure what your next steps are? If so, contact us at (402) 727-8668 today for an initial evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. The staff at Brainard Chiropractic is here to help, proudly serving the residents of Fremont, NE and the surrounding area.