Persistent neck or back pain can make sitting, standing, working, exercising, and other everyday activities increasingly difficult. When discomfort continues over time, changes involving the spinal discs may be one possible cause. Degenerative disc disease is a condition associated with changes in the discs that sit between the vertebrae of the spine.

Although the name includes the word “disease,” degenerative disc disease refers to changes that occur in the spinal discs rather than an infection or contagious illness. When these changes become associated with pain or other symptoms, determining which structures are involved can help guide an appropriate treatment approach.

What Happens to Spinal Discs?

Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help the spine handle movement and everyday physical stresses. Over time, discs can undergo changes that affect how they function.

Disc-related problems do not always produce the same symptoms. Depending on the location and condition of the affected disc, a patient may experience neck pain, back pain, stiffness, or symptoms associated with irritation of a nearby nerve.

This is also why persistent back pain should not automatically be attributed to a single cause. Disc bulges, herniated discs, facet problems, muscle strains, spasms, and other musculoskeletal conditions can produce discomfort in similar areas.

When Disc Problems Affect a Nerve

A disc problem can sometimes affect more than the neck or back. When protruding disc material places pressure on a nearby nerve, symptoms may extend into an arm or leg.

For example, nerve involvement in the lower back can contribute to symptoms associated with sciatica or radiculopathy, including pain, numbness, or tingling that travels away from the spine.

Identifying whether a patient’s symptoms involve the disc itself, a nearby nerve, or another structure is an important part of determining which treatment options may be appropriate.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

DRX 9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is one treatment option for certain disc-related conditions, including degenerative disc disease, disc bulges, herniated discs, sciatica, and pinched nerves.

Spinal decompression works by gently stretching and decompressing the affected area of the spine. For bulging or herniated discs, the goal is to help draw protruding disc material back toward the disc. Reducing pressure from disc material can also decrease pressure affecting a nearby pinched nerve.

Treatment recommendations depend on the individual condition, so spinal decompression may be used alongside other therapies when appropriate rather than as a one-size-fits-all treatment for every type of neck or back pain.

Finding the Source of Persistent Pain

Chronic neck or back pain can have several possible causes, and symptoms alone may not always reveal which structure is responsible. An individualized evaluation can help identify whether degenerative disc changes or another spinal condition may be contributing to the discomfort.

Once the source of the symptoms has been evaluated, a treatment plan can be developed around the patient’s specific condition and needs. Patients experiencing persistent neck or back pain can learn more about non-surgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and other disc-related conditions or schedule a consultation at NY Disc Chiropractic.