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Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease or Degenerative Disc Disorder of the Spine is not technically a disease but rather a condition that describes changes to the spinal discs located between the vertebrae of your spine.
Spinal discs change naturally as we age or they may change as a result of an injury. Either way, degenerative disc disease can lead to chronic pain and seriously impact your ability to function daily.

At Baker Chiropractic and Wellness, we have been helping patients with degenerative disc disease for over 20 years. Using our safe and effective chiropractic care, we have earned a trusted reputation for providing patients pain relief from degenerative disc disease and helping them restore their quality of life.

Please contact us at (513) 561-2273 or Schedule an Appointment here on our website. We may be able to help you with degenerative disc disease!

What Are Spinal Discs?

Spinal discs are soft, spongy discs that separate the thirty three vertebrae that make up your spine. Spinal discs act as shock absorbers for your spine and allow your spine to move in different directions with comfort and ease.

The outer portion of a spinal disc is a tough elastic cartilage called the capsule. It surrounds and protects an interior jelly-like material called the nucleus.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, spinal discs naturally degenerate and change. Aside from the aging process, an injury from something like an auto accident or an injury from playing sports may also impact one or more spinal discs and start the degeneration process.

The changes and the type of disc degeneration typically include one or both of the following:

Reduction in Spinal Disc Thickness: A spinal disc gradually becomes thinner as a result of fluid loss in the jelly-like interior of the disc. When spinal discs do become thinner, it narrows the distance between vertebrae and reduces shock absorption and flexibility of the spine.

Tears or Cracks in Spinal Discs: Small tears or cracks may develop in the outer portion of spinal discs. When this happens, the jelly-like interior may leak into these tiny tears or cracks causing them to bulge or rupture.

The development of degenerative disc disease can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves causing pain and abnormal function anywhere in your body.

degenerative-disc-disease-pain-relief
symptom-OF-DEGENERATIVE-DISC-DISEASE

Symptoms and Types

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the location of the spinal disc degeneration. If a spinal disc or multiple spinal discs in the neck region of the spine become degenerated, it may cause neck pain or arm pain. This is commonly referred to as Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease.

If a spinal disc or several spinal discs in the low back area of the spine become degenerated, it may cause low back pain or pain in the hips, buttocks and legs. This is commonly referred to as Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.

The degree of pain may also vary from numbness or tingling to intense pain that increases with movement.

Our Approach

The practice of chiropractic care focuses on the comprehensive health of the body’s spine and central nervous system. Our doctors are trained to identify and treat problems with the spine and nerves of the human body. When your spine and central nervous system are healthy and free from interference (called subluxations), you will be free from pain.
The best feature about chiropractic care is that it does not use prescription drugs or surgery to treat health care problems like degenerative disc disease. It’s safe and effective.

What Our Patients Say

Here’s a real-life story from a patient who came to us looking for help with her degenerative disc disease:
JoAnn-Sowders

JoAnn and Dr. Patrick Baker

My name is JoAnn. My trouble began after a car wreck in high school. So this actually tells you these are long term injuries. I did wear a corrective shoe then that built my left leg up about 1 1/12 inches for two years.

My name is JoAnn. My trouble began after a car wreck in high school. So this actually tells you these are long term injuries. I did wear a corrective shoe then that built my left leg up about 1 1/12 inches for two years.

As time went on years of standing in my profession took a toll on my neck and back. In the early 90’s I did go see Dr. Baker got treated with success but I stopped going.

In 2004, I went for a MRI for my neck and this specialist told me surgery was not an option. The pain seemed to increase so now by 2009 I was wearing a neck brace while sleeping and got some relief.

Also in 2014 I went back to these specialists because the pain in my hip down to my right foot began to burn and felt my foot going numb. I told them about my neck injury and they said this pain was in my back and had nothing to do with my neck (I really was not comfortable with that). They said go get an MRI and see a back surgeon right away.

Well almost 20 years later I called Dr. Baker hurting in pain. I was crying in pain and his office staff couldn’t have been more compassionate. Dr. Baker began treating me and almost immediately the pain was relieved and gone. He told me exactly step by step the plan what I needed to do and it is working! This is a journey for me but what a difference. I am not wearing my neck brace of 2 years and my pain is going away. I for the first time can see at last I am reversing what time has done to me today. Now standing straight, turning my neck, and no back pain. I have been so excited I plan to join a gym and start really concentrating on getting healthy and stronger.

I thank God for sending Dr. Baker & his staff my way and showing me so much compassion when I went there in pain and tears. I can only say to be pain free, healthy, and free from pain medications. This has been a real breakthrough for me!

Thanks again to Dr. Baker and the staff and the good Lord for using his team to help others. God Bless you all.

— JoAnn S.

Find Your Resolution

Life does not have to be lived enduring the pain and discomfort of degenerative disc disease. Please give us a call at (513) 561-2273 or Schedule an Appointment here from our website anytime. We offer three office locations in the greater Cincinnati area (Cincinnati, Fairfield and West Chester).

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