Alternative Treatment for Degenerative Disk Disease

Intervertebral discs are the cushions of cartilage in between every vertebra in the spine. If the spine experiences even the smallest amount of trauma it can then rupture, cause inflammation, or bulge the disc.

Numbness and tingling in the bilateral extremities, with radiating pain, is a common sign of someone with degenerative disc disease, even worse if the disease is irritating adjacent nerve roots. Symptoms normally appear when the disc puts pressure on the nerve root. The chiropractic approach to disc degeneration is to reduce inflammation and improve the motion in the spine. If the chiropractor sees it necessary to help with his diagnosis, he may send the patient for an MRI or CT scan for further evaluation. There are three types of spinal manipulations for disc problems:

Flexion-distraction technique: A non-thrusting technique that is normally used on herniated disks or the treatment of spinal stenosis.

Specific spinal manipulation: The restricted joints are identified and treated by the chiropractor, restoring movement back into the joints.

Instrument-assisted manipulation: This technique is performed with a handheld instrument, typically an activator.

Many chiropractors offer manual therapy to their patients in addition to the spinal adjustment. Trigger point therapy involves pressure being put on the painful spots to relieve the tension. Therapeutic exercises, such as stretching and resistance techniques, help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Degenerative disc disease is most commonly diagnosed in people who have suffered an injury to their disc because they degenerate quicker. There are a few different types of disc injuries:

Disc tear: Located in the outer cartilage where fluid starts to leak out.

Bulging disc: The jelly substance centered in the middle of the disc is pushed to one side and begins to swell.

Herniated disc: The jelly substance ruptures through the fibers on the outside and extends past the normal position.

Prolapsed disc: A fragment of the disc breaks away becomes a free-floating piece.

Desiccated disc: The disc loses the fluid inside, degenerates, and wears down. This takes place right before the bones start to fuse together.

Optimal functioning of the musculoskeletal system is a necessity for good health. 60% of the human body consists of bones, muscles, tissue, and nerves which are all part of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are experts in this area, so it's only wise to seek out and receive chiropractic treatment for degenerative disc disease. Many patients have avoided unnecessary surgery or a pill dependency because they chose the best approach to natural healing.