Degenerative Disc Disease
Neck and back pain most commonly are diagnosed as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) in 3rd or 4th decade life. Degenerative disc disease is mainly due to wear and tear of the intervertebral discs and in due course other parts of the spine also get involved.. It said to be a misnomer as it is not a disease but a condition.Disc degeneration is actually a natural part of aging and over time all people will exhibit changes in their discs; with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. In fact, degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its nature and severity.
Spine is the main support and bearer of our body weight and is involved in all the upright tasks of our daily routines. The lower back and neck endures maximum burden and hence are the commonest sites of DDD. To understand the process of DDD, we have to know what inter-vertebral disc is.
Intervertebral disc are cushiony semi rigid structures between the two vertebrae. These are made up of tough fibro-cartilaginous outer shell and a pulpy gelatinous center. These act as shock absorbing system and allow movement to bend the spine. Discs are non-vascular they drive their nourishment through the cartilage of the joint and they lack the ability of repairing themselves.
These discs are 90% water in young healthy adult. Eventually the water content decreases and wear and tear occurs as we grow old and the disc may get less thick and more rigid and the space collapses. As degeneration commences the changes may be of lesser or greater extent it could lead to bulge or herniation ultimately. The function of the discs will be compromised. Degenerative disc Disease can affect any level of the spine and hence according to the level it is called cervical, thoracic or lumbar disc disease.
People at risk of contracting DDD can be genetically predisposed, obese, smokers, with job of heavy work, have poor body mechanics, have sedentary life style or have had traumatic injury.
The disc generation leads to some intruding changes like bulge, spur or gel leakage in surrounding areas this leads to inflammation and micro-motion instability at the segment which in turn causes pain and muscle guarding. Although, many people will be asymptomatic; DDD can exhibit variable severity from mild to severe pain with periods of relief as well. The pain can be accompanied with tingling and numbness or some weakness of muscles. Cervical or lumber disc disease can present with neck or low back pain and other symptoms radiating into to the upper or lower extremities.
It is diagnosed on the basis of history; the health care giver will get X-ray, MRI and other test done to reach a proper diagnosis.
Treatment of degenerative disc disease is pain management which can easily be achieved with conservative treatments. Medications used are NSAIDs, steroids, narcotics and muscle relaxants and everyone is aware of their strengths and risks as-well. Along with pain relief rehabilitation program is also given, ergonomics and posture changes are recommended to ease the daily routines at work and home. In addition TENs units, epidural injection, ultra sound or massage may be used.
If you are looking for non invasive treatment for this ongoing condition than the good news is that conservative treatment has better results than surgery. 'Walk in Chiropractic Associates' in Houston has qualified competent chiropractics treating this condition in the clinic. They will reassess you at the clinic and tailor make therapy according to the requirement of your condition. The methods that might be used are spinal manipulation to take off that pressure to relieve the neurological tissue and improve the blood circulation. The muscle tension is reduced and this will kick start the chemical reaction in the body and more natural painkillers will be released. They will advise you in ergonomic ways for pain free life style. The DCs here may use LLT, ultra sound, massage etc, if required.
So why are you waiting call(713) 529-4808 and book an appointment at 'Walk in Chiropractic Associates' to get the best results. You can visit us on the site http://www.houstonchiropractor.us and read the reviews of our clients.
Spine is the main support and bearer of our body weight and is involved in all the upright tasks of our daily routines. The lower back and neck endures maximum burden and hence are the commonest sites of DDD. To understand the process of DDD, we have to know what inter-vertebral disc is.
Intervertebral disc are cushiony semi rigid structures between the two vertebrae. These are made up of tough fibro-cartilaginous outer shell and a pulpy gelatinous center. These act as shock absorbing system and allow movement to bend the spine. Discs are non-vascular they drive their nourishment through the cartilage of the joint and they lack the ability of repairing themselves.
These discs are 90% water in young healthy adult. Eventually the water content decreases and wear and tear occurs as we grow old and the disc may get less thick and more rigid and the space collapses. As degeneration commences the changes may be of lesser or greater extent it could lead to bulge or herniation ultimately. The function of the discs will be compromised. Degenerative disc Disease can affect any level of the spine and hence according to the level it is called cervical, thoracic or lumbar disc disease.
People at risk of contracting DDD can be genetically predisposed, obese, smokers, with job of heavy work, have poor body mechanics, have sedentary life style or have had traumatic injury.
The disc generation leads to some intruding changes like bulge, spur or gel leakage in surrounding areas this leads to inflammation and micro-motion instability at the segment which in turn causes pain and muscle guarding. Although, many people will be asymptomatic; DDD can exhibit variable severity from mild to severe pain with periods of relief as well. The pain can be accompanied with tingling and numbness or some weakness of muscles. Cervical or lumber disc disease can present with neck or low back pain and other symptoms radiating into to the upper or lower extremities.
It is diagnosed on the basis of history; the health care giver will get X-ray, MRI and other test done to reach a proper diagnosis.
Treatment of degenerative disc disease is pain management which can easily be achieved with conservative treatments. Medications used are NSAIDs, steroids, narcotics and muscle relaxants and everyone is aware of their strengths and risks as-well. Along with pain relief rehabilitation program is also given, ergonomics and posture changes are recommended to ease the daily routines at work and home. In addition TENs units, epidural injection, ultra sound or massage may be used.
If you are looking for non invasive treatment for this ongoing condition than the good news is that conservative treatment has better results than surgery. 'Walk in Chiropractic Associates' in Houston has qualified competent chiropractics treating this condition in the clinic. They will reassess you at the clinic and tailor make therapy according to the requirement of your condition. The methods that might be used are spinal manipulation to take off that pressure to relieve the neurological tissue and improve the blood circulation. The muscle tension is reduced and this will kick start the chemical reaction in the body and more natural painkillers will be released. They will advise you in ergonomic ways for pain free life style. The DCs here may use LLT, ultra sound, massage etc, if required.
So why are you waiting call(713) 529-4808 and book an appointment at 'Walk in Chiropractic Associates' to get the best results. You can visit us on the site http://www.houstonchiropractor.us and read the reviews of our clients.
