Degenerative Disc Disease
In most cases, lumbar disc disease is the result of a normal aging process called disc degeneration which causes structural changes in the normal disc.
Between each of our spinal vertebrae sits the spinal disc. This disc is a shock absorber for the spine and allows for movement. However, as we age the disc begins to lose its ability to hold fluid and dries out. This can lead to the breakdown of the tough outer rings (annulus fibrosous) and the inner core (nucleus pulposous) can begin to push it’s way out causing a bulge. Depending on the severity of the bulge the pressure on the outer rings can begin to cause pain.
As the bulge increases in size and severity it can push all the way through the outer rings becoming a disc herniation. Enough of the jelly like nucleus pushing out can begin causing inflammation or actually put pressure on the neighboring spinal nerve. This can increase back pain and cause other symptoms like numbness, tingling, radiating pain or muscle weakness.
Disc degeneration is not always accompanied by a herniated or bulging disc. We discuss it here because on its own degenerative disc disease is not commonly known to be the pain driving factor for low back pain. DDD can put the spine at risk of other injuries. As said earlier it is normal to have some degree of degeneration in our discs as we age. Living a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular activity, exercise and practicing proper dietary habits may help to minimize the effects of degeneration.
Risk factors of lumbar disc disorders and degeneration:
Age or gender: Males 30-50 yrs old are most susceptible
Obesity: excessive body weight puts undue stress on the lumbar spine and discs
Inactivity: lack of exercise and poor spinal muscle activation
Smoking: smoking decreases the amount of oxygen available to the discs to keep them healthy and heal
Repetitive spine straining activity: jobs or activities continually putting your spine in vulnerable movements or positions
Poor posture: improper posture can increase strain on areas of your spine and back
Frequent driving: long periods of time spent sitting with vibration adds to strain on the discs
Conservative care should be your first course of treatment to manage lumbar disc disorders, but treatment will depend on the clinical presentation, your age, overall health, and tolerance to therapies.
Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease
Exact treatment of lower back pain at Michigan Complete Chiropractic & Rehab can depend on your type of injury and unique case. It is common for low back pain to result from lack of mobility elsewhere in the body, whether it be from the ankles, mid-back, or pelvis.
Dr. Baldwin use research-based techniques and functional testing to test and treat low back pain. The first goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation at your affected areas. Once pain and inflammation have decreased we continue your treatment process correcting any joint restrictions, muscle imbalances and tissue restrictions that may be contributing to your low back pain. We will evaluate muscle imbalances using posture and movement patterns with the goal of restoring good biomechanics and core body strength.
Some Beneficial Treatment Options For DDD Include:
Our thorough evaluation will assess mid-back, low-back, hip and ankle mobility, dynamic core and hip stability, and proprioception (brain-joint awareness) to create a personalized treatment program to not only rehabilitate your pain but correct the underlying cause.
Home Care
Home care will consist of pain-relief repetitive positional exercises and lumbar stabilization exercises.We will also educate you on ways to protect your lower back, positions to avoid, and how to manage activity. Bed rest is typically avoided as the more you are up moving the better your recovery will be. Your home care will emphasize the progression of stabilization protocols and corrective exercises.