Do you think you’re suffering from the symptoms of degenerative disc disease? Dr. Michael Zmoos and Dr. Ethan Zmoos at Zmoos Chiropractic Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, provide customized care to bring you relief.
Chiropractic Care and Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease or DDD is one of many issues that can cause pain and other symptoms in the back. However, chiropractic care can provide relief and get you back to moving more comfortably. In the guide below, Dr. Michael and Dr. Ethan at Zmoos Chiropractic Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, explain DDD and how chiropractic care can help.
What Is DDD, and How Do I Know If I Have It?
Between the bones of the spine sit spinal discs that act as cushions. Over time and with age, these discs often wear down. However, sometimes, an accident, genetics, or other factors can cause them to wear down earlier.
Not everyone experiences symptoms as the discs wear down, but many do. These symptoms include the following:
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Feeling like your back has or is giving out
- Nerve compression, which presents as shooting pain or numbness in the extremities
- Constant back pain
- Pain that appears or worsens with certain movements, like bending, lifting, or twisting
- Stiffness in the spine
- Reduced mobility
When symptoms are present, the condition is referred to as DDD. Though these symptoms are good indicators, the best way to determine if DDD is the cause is to visit a chiropractor.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
As with any other musculoskeletal issue, chiropractic care can provide relief with a customized combination of natural techniques. For DDD, these techniques may include any or several of the following.
- Adjustments and manipulation: Your chiropractor can identify any areas that are placing undue pressure on the discs and restricting motion. Using their hands or an instrument, the bones will be realigned.
- Spinal decompression: Spinal decompression therapy is a method used to gently stretch the spine. It removes pressure from the discs and nerves. It also pulls healing nutrients to the spine, which can help replenish the discs and heal any tears in the casing.
- Electrical stimulation therapy: Using small electrical currents, electrical stimulation causes muscle contractions, which helps relieve spasms and tension.
- Therapeutic exercises: Stretching and strengthening movements can help relieve pressure on the discs, restore range of motion, and strengthen the core to provide better spinal support.
If you are concerned you have degenerative disc disease or have been diagnosed, visit Dr. Michael and Dr. Ethan at Zmoos Chiropractic Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. You can schedule an appointment by calling (319) 395-9598 today.