About
As your spinal discs age, this wear and tear mean they do not function as well as they should, failing to serve their purpose as shock absorbers between the bones in your spine. If you struggle with a degenerative disc, we can help. At Global Clinic, we offer a range of therapeutic services to help you live a comfortable, pain-free life.
What Causes a Degenerative Disc?
Other symptoms include pain in the lower back, buttocks, and upper thigh; increased pain upon sitting, bending, or twisting; and lessening pain when moving or lying down.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, and as they lose height and flexibility, they can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The condition most commonly affects the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck), though it can occur anywhere along the spinal column. While some degree of disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, not everyone develops painful symptoms. When symptoms do occur, degenerative disc disease treatment can significantly reduce pain and restore function.
How We Address Degenerative Disc Symptoms
Care plans may include, but are not limited to:
- Manual adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physician-recommended exercise regimens
- Stretching regimens
- Regenerative treatments
- Pain management with traditional or alternative medicines
What Results Can I Expect?
With proactive treatment that involves exercise to improve movement and mobility, most patients can enjoy a life free from the pain caused by disc degeneration. Through a combination of traditional and alternative treatments, including pain management, physical therapy, exercise, and more, we can help you reclaim your pain-free life.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is degenerative disc disease permanent?
Degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition, but its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Most patients achieve significant pain relief and improved function through conservative degenerative disc disease treatment without surgery.
2. How long does degenerative disc disease treatment take?
Most patients notice improvement within 6 to 8 weeks of consistent treatment. Chronic or advanced cases may require longer treatment programs. Your clinician will outline a realistic timeline at your first visit.
3. Can degenerative disc disease be treated without surgery?
Yes — the majority of patients with degenerative disc disease achieve lasting relief through non-surgical treatment including physical therapy, chiropractic care, regenerative medicine, and targeted injections. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative treatment has not provided adequate relief after an extended period.
4. What activities should I avoid with degenerative disc disease?
High-impact activities like running on hard surfaces, heavy lifting with poor form, and prolonged sitting should be minimized. Your physical therapist will provide specific activity modifications tailored to which discs are affected.
5. Does insurance cover degenerative disc disease treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management procedures for degenerative disc disease. Call our Niles office at (847) 299-7000 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.