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
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?
Age-related wear
Discs lose moisture and height over time, reducing shock absorption.
Repetitive strain
Long-term bending, lifting and twisting accelerate degeneration.
Prolonged sitting
Compression from desk work or driving speeds disc narrowing.
Past injury
Falls, heavy impacts or previous disc bulges increase risk.
Genetics
Some people have naturally weaker disc structure.
Poor spinal alignment
Misalignment increases uneven load on the discs.
How Spinal Decompression May Help Degenerative Disc Disease
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.
What to Expect in a Decompression Program for DDD
Comprehensive Assessment
Chiropractic, neurological and orthopaedic testing, plus review of MRI/X-ray where available.
Personalised Treatment
The decompression angle and load are tailored to your spinal level, age, mobility and severity of degeneration.
Regular Sessions (2-3 per week)
Disc changes require consistent repetition.
Chiropractic Care + Training
To improve posture, joint movement and long-term strength.
Ongoing Reassessment
To track changes in pain, mobility and function.
Poor spinal alignment
Misalignment increases uneven load on the discs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression for Disc Degeneration?
You may be suitable if you have:
- 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:
- Spinal tumours or infections
- Unstable fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Post-surgical restrictions (case-by-case)
Frequently Asked Questions
Discs do not "grow back", but improving hydration and reducing pressure helps improve comfort and function.
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.
Yes — thinning discs can pinch nerve roots.
Most people with DDD never require surgery. Decompression supports non-surgical management.
Book an Assessment
If you're experiencing chronic back pain, stiffness, or have been diagnosed with disc degeneration, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.
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