Degenerative Disc Disease
Many patients who visit the Arizona Back Institute are given a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease prior to them ever coming to our facility. Many are told it is a natural byproduct of aging, others are told it is not the cause of their pain. The truth is it may very well be the cause of their pain and even though it is associated with older patients it by no means is normal.
There has always been a problem in identifying the exact pain generator in back or neck pain. Many doctors have their own theories and many treat and categorize patients accordingly. The research shows a very strong probability that the disc is the primary generator of pain and discomfort.
That being said, a degenerative disc can and usually is a source of pain, it may not hurt all the time, but when inflamed or irritated it can in fact cause quite a bit of discomfort not only in the lower back or neck but also in the arm or leg. According to many doctors there is nothing that can be done about a degenerative disc, but a recent study done on the DRX9000 spinal decompression system showed significant improvement in disc height after treatment.
To put that into perspective as a disc loses hydration it begins to lose height and collapse, as it does so it narrows the opening where the nerves exit and can cause symptoms like sciatica, arm or leg pain. The disc loses water content due to micro trauma, or leaks in the disc that decrease the discs ability to maintain adequate hydration.
Spinal decompression is the only treatment that can naturally help discs heal, and the treatment is associated with a long term benefit. If you would like to learn more about spinal decompression call the Arizona Back Institute today and get scheduled for a free consultation. Call 480-503-3344 or log on to www.ArizonaBackInstitute.com for more information.
