Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common age-related condition where the spinal discs lose hydration, flexibility, and height over time. As the discs wear down, they provide less cushioning between the vertebrae, which can lead to lower back or neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve irritation. While the name sounds alarming, DDD is part of the natural aging process, though lifestyle factors like poor posture, repetitive strain, or heavy lifting can accelerate it. At KIRO, we focus on restoring spinal motion, reducing pain, and strengthening support muscles to help you stay active and prevent flare-ups.
Why does Degenerative Disc Disease occur?
Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when spinal discs naturally wear down with age, losing water content, flexibility, and height. This reduces their ability to cushion the vertebrae and can create pain or stiffness. Factors like poor posture, repetitive strain, heavy lifting, smoking, obesity, and past injuries can speed up disc degeneration and increase symptoms.
What are the common symptoms with Degenerative Disc Disease?
Common symptoms of DDD include:
Persistent dull or aching pain in the neck or lower back
Pain that flares with sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
Stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine
Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms, buttocks, or legs if nerves are affected
Muscle weakness or fatigue from poor spinal support
Pain that improves with walking, movement, or changing positions
Not everyone with disc degeneration feels pain, but when symptoms appear, they often come and go with activity levels.
Who is most at risk for getting Degenerative Disc Disease?
People most at risk for Degenerative Disc Disease include adults over 40, since disc wear is a natural part of aging. Risk increases for those with jobs or activities involving heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or long hours of sitting. Smoking, obesity, weak core muscles, and a family history of spinal problems can also accelerate disc degeneration. Athletes in high-impact sports may be more vulnerable as well.
How do KIRO doctors treat Degenerative Disc Disease?
At KIRO, care for Degenerative Disc Disease begins with a comprehensive exam to identify areas of disc degeneration and nerve irritation.
Symptomatic phase (first few weeks): We typically see patients twice per week. Gentle, precise adjustments restore motion in stiff spinal segments, reduce pressure on affected discs, and ease pain.
Corrective phase (next 6–8 weeks): Visits are usually once per week, focusing on core stabilization, hip mobility, and posture training to strengthen supporting muscles and reduce stress on the discs. Ergonomic coaching helps you sit, stand, and move in ways that protect the spine.
Preventive phase (ongoing): Also once per week or less, depending on your needs. Periodic care maintains spinal motion, improves flexibility, and helps prevent flare-ups or progression of symptoms.
We perform monthly Nervous System Scans to track progress and adjust your plan. To ensure the best outcomes, multiple KIRO doctors rotate during care so you benefit from a variety of expert perspectives.
How long does treatment take for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Most patients with Degenerative Disc Disease notice meaningful relief within 4–6 weeks of care during the symptomatic phase (typically twice per week). The corrective phase usually adds another 6–8 weeks with weekly visits focused on building core strength, posture endurance, and spinal stability. In total, about 12 weeks of consistent care often provides lasting improvement. Many patients then choose ongoing preventive care (usually once per week or less) to maintain mobility and reduce flare-ups.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Benefits of chiropractic care for Degenerative Disc Disease:
Relieves chronic back or neck pain linked to disc degeneration
Restores mobility and flexibility in stiff spinal segments
Reduces pressure and irritation on nearby nerves
Improves posture and core stability to protect discs
Decreases the frequency and severity of flare-ups
Provides a safe, drug-free alternative to pain medication or surgery
Supports long-term spinal health through preventive care
FAQs
Is Degenerative Disc Disease a real disease?
Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a real condition, but the name can be misleading. It’s not an infection or something that spreads, it describes the natural wear and tear of spinal discs over time. While disc degeneration is common with aging, not everyone develops symptoms. When it does cause pain or stiffness, chiropractic care can help restore motion, reduce discomfort, and protect the spine from further stress.
Will my discs grow back?
No, once a spinal disc loses height or hydration from degeneration, it does not grow back to its original state. However, many people find that symptoms improve as the body adapts and inflammation decreases. Chiropractic care, posture correction, and strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and protect the remaining disc structure, allowing you to stay active and manage symptoms effectively.
Can I lift weights and exercise with Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes, you can usually lift weights and exercise safely with Degenerative Disc Disease when guided properly. Strength training and mobility work help protect the spine by building strong core, hip, and back muscles. The key is to avoid heavy forward bending, twisting under load, and poor lifting mechanics. Our chiropractors can guide you with safe progressions and modifications so you stay active without aggravating your discs.
Can walking help with Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes, walking is one of the best exercises for Degenerative Disc Disease. It’s low-impact, improves circulation to the spinal discs, reduces stiffness, and helps maintain flexibility. Regular walking also strengthens supporting muscles and promotes healthy posture, making it an effective way to manage pain and prevent flare-ups.
Is chiropractic safe with Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe for Degenerative Disc Disease when performed by a trained chiropractor. Adjustments are tailored to reduce stress on worn discs, restore motion in stiff joints, and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves. Gentle techniques, combined with strengthening and posture training, make chiropractic a safe, drug-free way to manage symptoms and improve spinal health.
Do I need an MRI or x-ray if I have Degenerative Disc Disease?
Not always. Many cases of DDD can be identified through a physical exam and your symptom history. An X-ray may be used to check disc height and rule out other spinal changes, while an MRI provides more detail if nerve compression or severe degeneration is suspected. Imaging is usually recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with red flags like weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder/bowel control.
How can I manage flares with Degenerative Disc Disease?
You can manage Degenerative Disc Disease flare-ups by:Using ice for acute pain or inflammation and heat for stiffnessPracticing gentle mobility exercises like cat-cow or pelvic tiltsTaking short movement breaks if sitting or standing for long periodsMaintaining good posture to reduce spinal stressDoing core and hip strengthening to protect the spineAvoiding heavy lifting or twisting during flare-upsStaying consistent with chiropractic care to restore motion and reduce pressure on affected discsThese strategies help calm pain during flares and lower the chance of recurring episodes.
Will I need surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Most people with Degenerative Disc Disease do not need surgery. Symptoms are usually managed successfully with chiropractic care, exercise, posture correction, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only considered in severe cases where disc degeneration causes significant nerve compression, loss of function, or when conservative care has not provided relief.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Schedule your first appointment for just $39.
Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
Bonus: your $39 is fully-refundable if you decide to become a Member and begin treatment with our doctors during your appointment.