Degenerative Disc Disease Treated in Howell, MI
When the discs in your spine wear down, everyday movements can become painful. At Family Chiropractic in Howell, MI , Dr. Adam Fasick offers gentle, non-surgical care to relieve pain, restore mobility and support a healthier spine.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn’t truly a disease. It describes painful changes in the discs of your spine. The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers, and as you age, they gradually lose flexibility. This is a normal part of aging and doesn’t always cause pain, but when it does, it’s classified as degenerative disc disease.
Each disc has a sturdy outer wall and a soft, gel-like inner core. When we’re born, our discs are made mostly of water. With age, they lose some of that water content and become thinner, so they can’t absorb the shocks of everyday life as well. Thinning discs can lead to stiffness, irritation of nearby nerves and changes in the surrounding joints.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
- Ongoing lower back pain or neck pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting or twisting
- Pain that eases when walking or changing positions
- Pain radiating into the buttocks, legs or arms, such as sciatica
- Numbness, tingling or stiffness
Degenerated discs are also more prone to bulging and herniation, and they often occur alongside spinal arthritis.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Dr. Adam Fasick begins with a thorough evaluation and in-office digital X-rays, which can show disc space narrowing and other degenerative changes. Gentle adjustments with the Sigma Instrument or Activator Method restore motion to stiff spinal joints and reduce stress on the discs without twisting or popping.
For certain patients, non-surgical DRX9000® spinal decompression may help relieve pressure on degenerated discs and support the flow of fluid and nutrients. Your plan may also include cold laser therapy, massage therapy, corrective exercises to strengthen your core and nutrition guidance to support spinal health and a healthy weight.
Degenerative Disc Disease FAQs
Is degenerative disc disease a normal part of aging?
Disc changes are a normal part of aging, but they don’t always cause pain. When they do, the condition is called degenerative disc disease.
Can a chiropractor help degenerative disc disease?
Yes. Gentle adjustments, spinal decompression and supportive therapies can reduce pain and improve mobility.
Can degenerated discs heal?
Discs can’t return to their younger condition, but proper care can reduce symptoms and support disc health.
Is spinal decompression good for degenerative disc disease?
DRX9000® spinal decompression may be an option for certain patients with degenerative disc disease. An evaluation determines whether it’s appropriate.
Will exercise make degenerative disc disease worse?
The right exercises usually help by strengthening the muscles that support your spine. Dr. Adam will recommend safe, targeted exercises.
Can X-rays show degenerative disc disease?
Yes. X-rays can show disc space narrowing and related changes such as bone spurs.
Find Relief From Disc Pain
Learn how non-surgical care can help your spine. Call Family Chiropractic at (517) 376-6836 or request an appointment in Howell, MI .