Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that affects millions of people. As we age, the discs in our spine start to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. While concerning, the good news is that degenerative disc disease is not always a hopeless diagnosis. With the right treatment plan, it is possible to slow, stop, and even reverse disc degeneration. One of the most effective options is chiropractic care from an experienced provider like Stover Chiropractic, P.C.
Understanding the Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease
To understand how to overcome degenerative disc disease, it helps to recognize the condition’s four stages:
Stage 1 – Dysfunction Stage
The first phase of degenerative disc disease involves subtle chemical and structural changes in the discs that don’t necessarily cause pain. As part of the natural aging process, discs start to lose hydration and elasticity. Although you may not have symptoms in stage 1, these early changes can show up on imaging tests.
Stage 2 – Dehydration Stage
In stage 2, the discs become more brittle and compact as they lose hydration. The spaces between the vertebrae start to narrow, which can lead to stiffness and soreness. Pain tends to come and go at this point. Daily activities may become more difficult, but severe symptoms are still uncommon.
Stage 3 – Stabilization Stage
This stage is characterized by the formation of osteophytes, or bone spurs. As the discs lose height, the vertebrae move closer together and the body tries to stabilize the spine by growing additional bone. This results in increasing stiffness and chronic pain that tends to worsen with activity.
Stage 4 – Collapsing Stage
In the final stage, the discs completely collapse and the vertebrae start to rub against each other. This causes severe inflammation, constant pain, muscle spasms, and extremely limited mobility. At this point, fusion surgery is often necessary to stabilize the spine.
The Goal: Reverse Degeneration Before It’s Too Late!
As you can see from the overview above, degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition that tends to worsen over time. The discs have limited ability to heal once damaged. That’s why the treatment goal is to intervene early, before the discs become too degraded.
The good news is that in the first few stages, it is possible to slow, stop, or even reverse disc degeneration through chiropractic treatment and lifestyle modifications. But once discs have fully collapsed and fused in stage 4, the changes are irreversible. That’s why it’s crucial to see a specialist like Dr. Tripp Stover at Stover Chiropractic, P.C. at the first sign of pain or stiffness.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Reverse Disc Degeneration
So how exactly does chiropractic help overcome degenerative disc disease? There are a few key ways:
- Improves Spinal Alignment – Discs require even weight distribution to stay healthy. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, taking pressure off damaged discs.
- Restores Range of Motion – Gentle spinal adjustments restore mobility to restricted joints. Increased movement keeps discs nourished.
- Reduces Inflammation – Chiropractic decreases inflammatory chemicals that accelerate disc degeneration.
- Strengthens Supporting Muscles – Chiropractors provide exercises that stabilize and protect the spine.
- Offers Natural Pain Relief – Chiropractic adjustments release muscle tension and stimulate the body to produce natural painkillers.
- Enhances Disc Nutrition – Improved spinal alignment and mobility allow nutrient-rich fluids to flow into discs.
- Prevents Further Degeneration – Regular chiropractic care helps stabilize the spine and prevents additional disc breakdown.
As you can see, chiropractic care addresses many of the underlying causes of disc degeneration. That’s why it’s one of the most effective approaches for overcoming this condition.
Seeking Help from an Experienced Chiropractor
Dr. Tripp Stover, is a craniocervical instability specialist and upper cervical chiropractor who is highly experienced with degenerative conditions of the spine.
Located at 9129 Dickey Drive in Mechanicsville, VA, Stover Chiropractic, P.C. has spent over 25 years helping patients overcome debilitating spinal problems. Dr. Stover is committed to finding the root cause of your pain through advanced testing like digital motion x-ray.
He then develops customized treatment plans that may include gentle upper cervical adjustments, disc decompression, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle advice, and more.
Patients suffering from degenerative disc disease rave about the outstanding results and compassionate care they receive from Dr. Stover and his team.
Don’t live with constant pain and disability. Take charge of your health by pursuing progressive treatment options like chiropractic care.
To see if you’re a candidate for disc degeneration care, call Stover Chiropractic, P.C. today at (804) 559-1100. You can overcome degenerative disc disease – start your journey to relief now!
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