How Chiropractic Care Can Help Degenerative Disc Disease
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.
This condition sounds painful and irreversible. However, there are many misconceptions about degenerative disc disease, and it should not be thought of as a death sentence from which you will never recover.
In this article, we will review the topic of degenerative disc disease and demonstrate how chiropractic care can be the perfect solution for this condition.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease, or DDD, is somewhat of a “catch-all” term for many cases of back pain. DDD is not usually considered a formal diagnosis, but rather one that can be used for issues affecting the back in which there is evidence of wear and tear on the intervertebral discs.
Unfortunately, the name of this condition implies that the patient has contracted a degenerating disease that will only get worse with time. This is far from the truth, however, as there are many different mitigation strategies that can keep patients with DDD pain-free for the rest of their lives.
Ways to Improve Disc Health
The discs between the different segments of our spine, known as intervertebral discs, act as pads that keep our bones from grinding on one another. When these discs wear down, we often experience excruciating pain.
Luckily, there are tons of ways to keep discs from ever getting to this point.
Staying at an Ideal Body Weight
Perhaps one of the best ways to reduce stress on the discs of the spine is to remain at a healthy, ideal body weight. Our discs are hearty, and they can support a ton of stress, but they will eventually wear down, given enough time and pressure. By reducing the load placed on these discs, you can effectively extend their life.
Weight loss is not an easy prospect for many people. But, in the end, it basically comes down to creating a caloric deficit in the body. In layman’s terms, this means eating fewer calories than are expended through exercise and metabolism. We know, we know: easier said than done!
Staying Fit and Flexible
By exercising regularly, and incorporating daily stretches for the whole body, you can reduce the chances of developing a disc-related disorder.
While there are many ligaments, tendons, and other structures that support the spine, the muscles surrounding this area might be the most important for good health. By exercising this area often, you put yourself in the best position possible to resist disc degeneration and resultant pain. Even just working on bracing your abdominal muscles can go a long way towards improving spinal stability.
Attending Regular Chiropractic Sessions
Perhaps the most effective step of all, when managing DDD, is to attend regular chiropractic sessions. Chiropractors aim to keep the spine in perfect alignment and to correct imbalances as they arise.
When the spine is out of alignment, there is an increased chance of the discs developing higher pressure areas in certain spots. When this happens, said discs become worn and frayed.
By seeing your chiropractor on a regular basis, you can be sure that you are taking the best steps possible to prevent the development of DDD. Furthermore, this method of treatment is very affordable and widely available. Chiropractors’ offices are never hard to find, as they are on many streets in tons of cities around the country!
If you have been diagnosed with DDD, have been experiencing back pain of any kind, or need help with some other aspect of your health, contact the team at Anchor Health Chiropractic today. We are the go-to Noblesville chiropractors, and we would love to help you get better. Book your appointment now!
