DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE (DISC DEGENERATION)

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What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to the gradual wear and breakdown of the spinal discs. As we age, discs naturally lose hydration, elasticity and height — reducing their ability to absorb shock and support spinal movement.

Despite its name, DDD is not a disease.

It is a progressive structural change that varies from person to person. Some people experience mild stiffness; others develop chronic back or neck pain, nerve irritation or mobility issues.

DDD can occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in:

• the lower back (lumbar spine)

• the neck (cervical spine)

Signs & Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

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People with DDD may experience:

• chronic lower back or neck pain

• stiffness, especially on waking

• pain when sitting, bending or twisting

• “crunching” or grinding sensations

• nerve pain, tingling or numbness

• muscle tightness or spasms

• reduced flexibility

• flare-ups lasting weeks or months

• pain that improves with walking or movement

Symptoms may come and go depending on stress, posture and activity.

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

1. Age-related wear

Discs lose moisture and height over time, reducing shock absorption.

2. Repetitive strain

Long-term bending, lifting and twisting accelerate degeneration.

3. Prolonged sitting

Compression from desk work or driving speeds disc narrowing.

4. Past injury

Falls, heavy impacts or previous disc bulges increase risk.

5. Genetics

Some people have naturally weaker disc structure.

6. Poor spinal alignment

Misalignment increases uneven load on the discs.

How Spinal Decompression May Help Degenerative Disc Disease

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Spinal decompression helps DDD by targeting disc hydration, mobility and nerve space.

✔ Improves disc hydration

Decompression creates negative intradiscal pressure, encouraging water, oxygen and nutrients back into the disc.

✔ Reduces nerve compression

Thinning discs can pinch nerve roots. Decompression relieves mechanical irritation.

✔ Supports spinal mobility

More space between vertebrae allows better joint movement and less stiffness.

✔ Reduces inflammation

Better circulation helps calm irritated structures around the disc and joints.

✔ Helps prevent further breakdown

Addressing posture, mechanics and load reduces future degeneration stress.

Your uploaded studies show measurable improvements in disc health in patients with degenerative changes (Kasimovich, Di Modica, Carmona).

What to Expect in a Decompression Program for DDD

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Chiropractic, neurological and orthopaedic testing, plus review of MRI/X-ray where available.

2. Personalised Treatment

The decompression angle and load are tailored to your spinal level, age, mobility and severity of degeneration.

3. Regular Sessions (2–3 per week)

Disc changes require consistent repetition.

4. Chiropractic Care + Mobility Training

To improve posture, joint movement and long-term strength.

5. Ongoing Reassessment

To track changes in pain, mobility and function.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression for DDD?

You may be suitable if you experience:

• chronic lower back or neck pain

• stiffness with sitting or standing

• disc thinning shown on imaging

• intermittent nerve pain

• disc dehydration (MRI “dark disc”)

• age-related wear causing reduced movement

Not suitable for:

• severe osteoporosis

• spinal tumours

• unstable fractures

• post-surgical restrictions (case-by-case)

FAQs

Can degenerative discs heal?

Discs do not “grow back”, but improving hydration and reducing pressure helps improve comfort and function.

Does decompression work for older adults?

Research examining outcomes of non-surgical spinal decompression across different age groups found no significant association between patient age and treatment outcomes, with improvements reported in both pain and disability measures across all adult age ranges, including older patients.

Can DDD cause sciatica?

Yes — thinning discs can pinch nerve roots.

Will I need surgery?

Most people with DDD never require surgery. Decompression supports non-surgical management.

Book an Assessment

If you have chronic back or neck pain from disc degeneration, our chiropractors can determine whether decompression is appropriate.

➡️ Book Your Initial 40-Minute Assessment