Degenerative Disc Disease Prevention

Osteoarthritis is commonly considered a “wear-and-tear” process and is associated with degenerative changes in the disc, which results in an altered relationship (derangement) between adjacent vertebrae. This derangement causes an increased strain, as well as a loss of motion of the gliding joints of the spine. These gliding joints (facets) are found in pairs, along the entire spine, and their function is to allow for movement and flexibility of the spine. When these facet joints are subjected to repeated trauma from excessive strenuous athletic activities, heredity, weak abdominal muscles, and the inevitable aging process, low back and/or leg pain is commonly experienced.
Degenerative changes in the disc or an altered function in the facet joints, for whatever reason, contribute significantly to the “wear and tear” process, placing a strain upon this important area of the spine. The osteoarthritic spine becomes less flexible, and therefore becomes more vulnerable to injury. A simple unexpected or forced movement, physically heavy work, improper posture, frequent bending or lifting, all can produce strain and injury to these facet joints.
As the intervertebral disc narrows, it loses height, mobility, and oftentimes forms bony spurs, which may irritate the spinal nerve roots as the disc space narrows.
Specific chiropractic adjustments of the spine improve spinal mobility and unlock the facet joints helping to relieve the accompanying muscular, ligamentous, and tendon contractions, as well as the mechanical or reflex irritation of the nerve root.

Dr. Zach's Comments:

• There is only one way to proactively attempt to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis (aka degenerative disc disease), and that is through a Chiropractic Wellness/ Maintenance Care program. As the article stated, it is the wear and tear of improperly functioning joints that leads to osteoarthritis. It is not genetic, chance, or bad luck. You are ultimately responsible for your health and the health of your family, so be proactive and seek out activities and health care that will help you keep you body healthy.


• Don't wait until you have a symptom such as pain to seek out chiropractic care. By then permanent damage has often already happened. Pain is simply a signal used by your nervous system to tell you that tissue damage is happening. If you wait until your experiencing pain to seek out care, you've already exposed yourself to tissue damage in and around your spine. And remember, the purpose of your spine is to protect your nervous system. Do you really want the organ responsible for protecting your nervous system to be injured and weak.


• By re-aligning misalignments and injuries to your spine, Chiropractors help make your spine stronger and work to prevent injuries in the future. If you are prevention/ Wellness oriented like many of us are today, you owe it to yourself to begin chiropractic care today!!