Degenerative Disc Disease Pain Relief San Diego, CA
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease and How to Find Relief in San Diego, CA
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain. If you’ve been dealing with persistent discomfort, stiffness, or reduced mobility in your back and you’re searching for help in San Diego, CA, you’re not alone. Here at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in providing effective, non-surgical solutions, specifically Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), to help manage and alleviate the pain caused by DDD.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite the term "disease," Degenerative Disc Disease isn't an illness but rather a natural part of the aging process. It occurs when the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, start to wear down over time. These discs contain a jelly-like core surrounded by a tough outer layer, and with age, the discs can become thinner, lose flexibility, and dry out.
When discs degenerate, the space between the vertebrae narrows, which can lead to nerve compression, inflammation, and pain. For some, this process is painless, but for others, it can lead to significant discomfort and limited mobility.
How Does Degenerative Disc Disease Begin?
DDD often starts with minor wear and tear on the spine. This may be the result of:
- Aging: Over time, the discs naturally lose moisture and elasticity.
- Injury or trauma: A fall, accident, or sports injury can accelerate the breakdown of spinal discs.
- Repetitive strain: Certain jobs or activities that involve bending, lifting, or twisting can cause the discs to wear down faster.
- Genetics: Some people may be more predisposed to disc degeneration due to their genetic makeup.
As the degeneration progresses, symptoms such as back pain, muscle stiffness, and limited range of motion become more noticeable, often worsening with time if left untreated.
How Does Degenerative Disc Disease Worsen?
Without proper care, DDD can lead to complications such as:
- Herniated discs: The damaged outer layer of the disc may rupture, causing the inner core to bulge out and compress nearby nerves.
- Bone spurs: As the discs wear down, the body tries to stabilize the spine by forming bone spurs, which can further irritate spinal nerves.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can occur, putting additional pressure on the nerves, leading to leg pain, tingling, or weakness.
Over time, these issues can significantly reduce your quality of life and make even simple activities, like walking or sitting, painful.
How We Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we focus on identifying and addressing the exact cause of your DDD-related pain. Our primary tool for this is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), which gently stretches the spine and creates negative pressure within the discs. This allows bulging or herniated discs to retract, reducing pressure on the nerves and promoting the flow of nutrients back into the disc to support natural healing.
The goal of NSSD is to address the root cause of the pain by restoring disc height, rehydrating the discs, and reducing inflammation. By doing so, we not only alleviate pain but also help prevent the progression of the condition.
Why We Use Other Treatment Protocols
While Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is highly effective, we also recognize that every patient’s situation is unique. That’s why we utilize a combination of other treatment protocols tailored to each individual. These may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments: To improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Core stability exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support the spine can help reduce the load on your discs and prevent further degeneration.
- Corrective exercises and rehabilitation: To address muscle imbalances and improve flexibility, which is critical for long-term relief.
- Nutritional guidance: Supporting spinal health through proper nutrition can be an essential component of slowing disc degeneration.
With nearly 20 years of experience helping patients avoid back surgery, I’ve developed personalized treatment plans that consider each patient’s unique needs. As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, my focus is on finding the right combination of therapies to help you achieve lasting relief from DDD.
Don’t Let Degenerative Disc Disease Control Your Life
If you’re in San Diego and suffering from Degenerative Disc Disease, know that there are effective, non-surgical options available. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we’ve helped countless patients reduce their pain, improve their mobility, and avoid invasive procedures. Our goal is to help you get back to doing what you love without pain.
To schedule a consultation and start your path toward relief, call us today at 619-298-0800 or 619-884-8298, or visit our website at www.SanDiegoBackCare.com. Our office is conveniently located at 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life!