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Degenerative Disc Disease

At Dr Neck Pain Singapore, we understand the challenges and pain associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD).

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Comprehensive Guide to Degenerative Disc Disease: Causes, Diagnosis, and Available Treatments, and How Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease can help

At Dr Neck Pain Singapore, we understand the challenges and pain associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD). We are dedicated to providing effective and holistic chiropractic care to help you manage and alleviate the symptoms of DDD. 

Dr Will Kalla is a highly skilled chiropractor specialising in diagnosing and treating early-stage DDD, using evidence-based manual therapies and personalised treatment plans. 

This article will explore how chiropractors diagnose Degenerative Disc Disease, the various chiropractic therapies available, and how chiropractic care can help treat degenerative disc disease.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a prevalent condition characterised by the deterioration of spinal discs, which act as cushions between the bones of the spine, providing flexibility and shock absorption. 

Contrary to its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease itself but rather a condition that causes pain due to the damaged discs. 

Over time, due to ageing, wear and tear, or injury, these discs can degenerate, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
The severity of pain can vary from a nagging discomfort to a debilitating sensation, significantly impacting one’s daily life.

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Diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disease

When you visit Dr Neck Pain’s chiropractic clinic in Singapore, experienced chiropractor Dr Will Kalla will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your condition accurately. 

We take into account your medical history and current symptoms and conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination. Our goal is to identify the root cause of your pain and determine if it is related to degenerative disc disease.

During the examination, our chiropractor will assess various factors, including joint motion, spinal curvature, muscle spasms, and signs of injury. To gather more information, we require imaging tests such as X-rays. 

This diagnostic tool helps us gain a better understanding of the extent of disc degeneration and any other underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Understanding Spinal Discs

To comprehend degenerative disc disease fully, it’s essential to grasp the structure and function of spinal discs. These discs serve as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to remain flexible while withstanding considerable forces in various planes of motion. Each disc consists of two parts:

Annulus Fibrosus

This outer layer of the disc is firm and tough, and it contains nerves. If a tear occurs in this area, it can lead to significant pain.
This outer layer of the disc is firm and tough, and it contains nerves. If a tear occurs in this area, it can lead to significant pain.

Nucleus Pulposus

The core of the disc is soft and jelly-like, containing proteins that can cause swelling and tenderness in adjacent tissues. Leakage of these proteins into the outer layer of the disc's nerves can result in excruciating pain. It's worth noting that spinal discs have a unique characteristic—they have a minimal blood supply. Consequently, once a disc is injured, it cannot repair itself. This can trigger a spiral of degeneration, which typically occurs in three stages over a period of 20 to 30 years:

1. Acute pain hampers normal back movement, making it difficult for the affected individual to engage in regular activities.
2. The injured segment of the back becomes relatively unstable, resulting in intermittent back pain over an extended period.
3. The body eventually stabilises the injured back segment, leading to fewer bouts of back pain for the patient.
The core of the disc is soft and jelly-like, containing proteins that can cause swelling and tenderness in adjacent tissues. Leakage of these proteins into the outer layer of the disc's nerves can result in excruciating pain. It's worth noting that spinal discs have a unique characteristic—they have a minimal blood supply. Consequently, once a disc is injured, it cannot repair itself. This can trigger a spiral of degeneration, which typically occurs in three stages over a period of 20 to 30 years: Acute pain hampers normal back movement, making it difficult for the affected individual to engage in regular activities. The injured segment of the back becomes relatively unstable, resulting in intermittent back pain over an extended period. The body eventually stabilises the injured back segment, leading to fewer bouts of back pain for the patient.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Numerous factors contribute to the degeneration of spinal discs, with age being a primary factor. Here are some specific causes:

Disc Drying

At birth, discs are comprised of approximately 80 per cent water. However, the discs gradually lose moisture as we age, reducing their ability to absorb shocks effectively.

Daily Activities and Sports

Routine activities and sports can cause tears in the outer core of the disc. By age 60, most individuals exhibit some degree of disc degeneration, although not everyone experiences back pain at this stage.

Injuries

Traumatic events can cause swelling, soreness, and instability, leading to low back pain. It's important to note that while the aforementioned factors are common contributors to degenerative disc disease, each case may have unique circumstances and underlying causes.
Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

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Common Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Effective management of degenerative disc disease involves a multimodal approach that considers the individual’s unique circumstances. Treatment options by medical doctors may include:

Artificial Disc Replacement: This surgical intervention aims to replace the damaged disc with an artificial one, preserving motion and reducing pain.

Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgical procedures such as spinal fusion or laminectomy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and stabilize the spine.

Nonoperative Treatment: Non-surgical interventions focus on managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. They may include acupuncture, back braces, physical therapy, pain management techniques, and lifestyle modifications.

It’s crucial to note that treatment plans should be developed on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as the severity of symptoms, the extent of disc damage, overall health, and personal preferences. 

Consulting with a spine specialist is vital to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your specific case.

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Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease often affects individuals in their 30s or 40s who are otherwise active and healthy. The symptoms can vary among individuals but commonly include:

Sitting-related Pain

Pain tends to worsen when sitting, as the lower back discs experience three times more load in this position compared to standing.

Pain with Movement

Bending, lifting, and twisting motions can intensify the pain associated with degenerative disc disease.

Relief with Walking or Changing Positions

Many individuals find that their pain diminishes while walking or engaging in physical activities. They may experience discomfort or worsening symptoms when sitting or standing for extended periods.

Fluctuating Pain Intensity

Degenerative disc disease can cause episodes of severe pain that come and go over varying durations. These episodes can range from nagging pain to complete disability. The pain may radiate from the low back, buttocks, and thighs, or in some cases, the neck, extending to the arms and hands.

Numbness and Tingling

Some individuals may experience sensations of numbness and tingling in their extremities.

Muscle Weakness or Foot Drop

Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop can indicate potential nerve root damage. Recognising that symptoms can vary significantly from person to person is important. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

At Dr Neck Pain, we offer a DrNeckPain 5-step Program™ designed to improve joint mechanics, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Chiropractor Will Kalla will create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the chiropractic treatments commonly used for DDD include:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjustment, is a cornerstone of chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease. Dr Will Kalla uses gentle and precise techniques to restore movement to the restricted joints. Specific spinal manipulation involves identifying the affected joints and applying a gentle thrusting technique to improve their motion. In certain cases, instrument-assisted manipulation using a handheld device may be employed to provide targeted treatment.
Spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjustment, is a cornerstone of chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease. Dr Will Kalla uses gentle and precise techniques to restore movement to the restricted joints. Specific spinal manipulation involves identifying the affected joints and applying a gentle thrusting technique to improve their motion. In certain cases, instrument-assisted manipulation using a handheld device may be employed to provide targeted treatment.

Manual Therapies

In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may utilize various manual therapy techniques to address DDD symptoms. Trigger point therapy involves identifying and applying direct pressure to tight and painful points in the muscles to alleviate tension. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can help relieve pain and improve joint mobility. Therapeutic massage is another effective manual therapy that targets muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Our chiropractor may also employ instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, such as percussion massage, to reduce pain and other symptoms.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may utilize various manual therapy techniques to address DDD symptoms. Trigger point therapy involves identifying and applying direct pressure to tight and painful points in the muscles to alleviate tension. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can help relieve pain and improve joint mobility. Therapeutic massage is another effective manual therapy that targets muscle tension and promotes relaxation. Our chiropractor may also employ instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy, such as percussion massage, to reduce pain and other symptoms.

Traction Therapies

To further enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease, we may incorporate additional therapies that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting the healing process. Seated cervical traction and vibration traction therapy help alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, promoting better circulation and tissue healing. We also use it to help reduce soft-tissue tightness, improving spinal postural alignment so that there is less pressure on discs.
To further enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease, we may incorporate additional therapies that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting the healing process. Seated cervical traction and vibration traction therapy help alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, promoting better circulation and tissue healing. We also use it to help reduce soft-tissue tightness, improving spinal postural alignment so that there is less pressure on discs.

Therapeutic Exercises

At Dr Neck Pain, we believe in the importance of proactive and preventive care. Our chiropractor may recommend therapeutic exercises tailored to your condition. These exercises are designed to strengthen the core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilise the spine. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can reinforce the benefits of chiropractic treatments and prevent the progression of degenerative disc disease.
At Dr Neck Pain, we believe in the importance of proactive and preventive care. Our chiropractor may recommend therapeutic exercises tailored to your condition. These exercises are designed to strengthen the core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and stabilise the spine. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can reinforce the benefits of chiropractic treatments and prevent the progression of degenerative disc disease.
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A Holistic Approach to Degenerative Disc Disease

Beyond the physical therapy at Dr Neck Pain Chiropractic clinic, we take a holistic approach to managing degenerative disc disease. We understand that DDD can significantly impact your overall well-being, including nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle. 

As part of our comprehensive care, we provide education and guidance on proper nutrition, stress management techniques, and lifestyle adjustments that can complement chiropractic care and help improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Degenerative disc disease is characterised by pain from damaged spinal discs. While it is not a disease in itself, degenerative disc disease can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. 

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options associated with this condition, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

If you are struggling with degenerative disc disease, Dr Neck Pain is here to help. Our skilled chiropractor specialises in diagnosing and treating early-stage DDD using effective and personalised approaches. 

We aim to alleviate your pain, improve joint function, and enhance your overall well-being through careful evaluation, chiropractic care, manual therapies, additional therapies, and therapeutic exercises. 

Call or WhatsApp us at +65 8138 6880 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life now! Remember, early intervention and appropriate care can significantly impact your overall well-being.

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