Degenerative disc disease doesn’t just occur overnight. The word “degenerative” denotes a progressive series of structural changes, and it usually happens over several years. Many people don’t realize they suffer from degenerative disc disease until the symptoms are severe, and they are already in stage 2 or 3.
People who experience degenerative changes in their neck and back find themselves dealing with a multitude of symptoms which can seriously impact their quality of life. A chiropractor can help realign your neck and stop the progression of degenerative disc disease with gentle spinal manipulation, exercises, and nutrition.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a narrowing of the disc spaces between the vertebrae which protect the vertebrae from rubbing up against each other. The discs also protect the nerves that run out from the spinal cord from being compressed or pinched.
When the disc space becomes narrowed, the vertebrae begin to scrape against each other, causing bone spurs and arthritis. Compression or pinching of the nerves causes a bigger problem throughout the body. Nerves that aren’t functioning correctly can’t send signals to internal organs, muscles, or extremities. Sometimes the nerves send out pain signals or cease to signal anything at all, leading to numbness and weakness in the affected areas of the body.
What causes degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease usually occurs with aging. As we age, the disc space between vertebrae narrows naturally through wear and tear. People with genetic dispositions for developing osteoarthritis are at a higher risk for degenerative disc disease.
Sports athletes are at particular risk of developing degenerative disc disease. Veterans who engaged in heavy training and physical regimens are also at risk. If you had a physically-taxing occupation with lots of manual labor, including twisting, lifting, and turning, you might be at risk for degenerative disc disease.
Undiagnosed scoliosis can also be a risk factor for developing degenerative changes in the spine, as the vertebrae move at unnatural angles and can cause a herniated disc. Other factors include traumatic injuries, such as that from a car accident. The long-term misalignment of the spine can also cause disc herniation or slippage.
How does degenerative disc disease affect the neck?
Your neck is the primary point of health for the rest of your body. Your spinal cord runs through a hole in the spinal column called the vertebral foramen. The vertebrae protect the cord and are supported by jelly-like substances called discs.
If the spinal cord is choked through a narrowed vertebral foramen, it becomes difficult for it to send proper signals to the nerves in the rest of the body. Many people with lower back pain and problems often discover that when the natural curve of their neck is restored, their lower back pain becomes more manageable. That is because the nerves that send out important signals to the muscles, joints, and organs are being impaired, and this can result in increased inflammation and lowered blood flow to the injured area.
Degenerative disc disease in the neck can pinch nerves that run through the upper back and down into the arms and hands. Some people may experience numbness, tingling, and pain down into their fingers if a nerve is being pinched in the cervical spine.
Other people may experience severe headaches or migraines with seemingly no known origin. The compression of nerves decreases blood flow and increases inflammation in the nerves, which can radiate in the face, head, and neck. Some people may even experience dental pain as a result of degenerative disc disease in the neck.
Can my neck be fixed?
In most cases, yes, your neck can be corrected, and symptoms of pain can be alleviated. If you are diagnosed at stage 1, 2, or 3 of cervical degeneration, a chiropractor can stop the disease from progressing and getting worse. Some conditions can be reversed, depending on the stage and severity of the damage.
Your chiropractor will use gentle spinal manipulation and cervical traction to alleviate degeneration symptoms and herniated disc pain. You will also be given stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the vertebrae in your neck to help keep your adjustment in place.
Finally, changes in diet may be recommended by your chiropractor because some foods can contribute to inflammation. Additionally, switching to a healthier diet and losing weight is always beneficial for the health of your spine, joints, and muscles.
