Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?

In our last blog, we discussed the characteristics of DDD. Now, here is a list of the symptoms that emerge from it:

• Chronic Pain: Prolonged pain in the lower back, neck, or buttocks is common. Pain may worsen with activities like bending, lifting, or twisting.

• Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates down the arms (cervical spine) or legs (lumbar spine), known as radiculopathy, if nerves are compressed.

• Numbness and Tingling: These sensations might occur in the extremities if nerve compression is involved.

• Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness can develop in severe DDD cases, affecting mobility and strength in the arms or legs.

• Pain Relief with Movement: Interestingly, pain may decrease with certain movements, like walking or changing positions, as these activities relieve pressure on the affected discs.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Characteristics of Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition where the discs in your spine start to break down. This process is a natural part of aging, but it can also be accelerated by things like injury, repeated stress, or genetics.

The following are characteristics of DDD:

• Disc Dehydration: As we age, our spinal discs lose water content, which makes them thinner and less flexible. This reduces their ability to absorb shocks.

• Disc Herniation: The disc’s outer layer may weaken, leading to bulging or herniation, where the inner gel-like core pushes out. Get more detail in our bulging disc/disc herniation article.

• Bone Spurs: As discs deteriorate, the body may produce bone spurs (osteophytes) to stabilize the spine, which can cause pain if they press on nerves.

Looking in Ann Arbor for Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. For help with back pain in Ann Arbor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Improve Your Posture by Updating Your Workspace

Going back to work after a year of working from home?

Besides getting used to dressing business casual again, it’s also going to be an adjustment for many of us who are getting back into the routine of a normal workday.

Part of the adjustment is getting used to working at a desk for hours at a time! How can you make sure you’re taking care of your chiropractic health at work?

Read more on our website to find out!

If you must sit for most of your workday, we know getting relief isn’t easy. You can’t just quit your job, and sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to stretch, take a break, or exercise.

Regular visits to the chiropractor can help relieve your pain! Make the time in your schedule to see a chiropractor and get rid of pesky twinges and aches, or even more serious levels of pain and discomfort. Contact Dr. Gessert today to get started!