Overview Joints Discs Other

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease is a thinning of the rubbery cartilage (intervertebral discs) between the spinal vertebrae.  Spinal discs act as cushions between the bony vertebrae and allow mobility of the spine. Symptoms of disc degeneration include chronic low back pain, which may radiate to the hips, or pain in the buttocks or thighs while walking.  The pain may be felt, or may even increase while sitting, bending, lifting or twisting.

To treat degenerative disc disease, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise

Disc Derangement/Herniated Discs

Disc derangement and herniated discs are similar conditions.  A herniated disc results from a tear in the fibrous outer casing of an intervertebral disc.  This tear allows the softer, central portion of the disc to bulge out. Disc derangement occurs when a disc is irritated or bulging, but not herniated.  Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the hernia and the type(s) of soft tissue that are involved.  If the disc is the only tissue injured there is often little or no pain, but if nerve roots are irritated or impinged by the herniated material neck or low back pain can be unrelenting. Often, herniated discs are not diagnosed immediately because patients come for treatment of undefined pains in the thighs, knees, or feet. Other symptoms of a herniated disc may include sensory changes such as numbness, tingling, muscular weakness, paralysis, and altered reflexes.

To treat disc derangement and herniated discs, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization

Corrective Exercise

Lumbar Disc Syndrome

Lumbar Disc Syndrome is characterized by pain radiating from the low back (lumbar spine) to one or both legs. It may be caused by degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc or disc derangement.  Pain is often due to pressure on a nerve that runs from the low back to the buttock or thigh.

To treat lumbar disc syndrome, manual therapies may include one, or a combination of, the following:

ART (Active Release Technique)

Neuro-proprioceptive taping

Trigger Point Dry Needling (depending on situation)

Chiropractic Manipulation/Mobilization of the cervical spine and extremities

Corrective Exercise