Introduction
You hear a lot about disc degeneration or degenerative disc disease or the old stand-by term, "arthritis" even though it really doesn't define the source of pain. Disc degeneration is the appropriate term for a common cause of lower back pain due to thinning of the disc.
Definition
Disc degeneration is the thinning of the disc.
Description
As disc degeneration progresses, its thinning results in a narrowed spinal canal space, possible facet joint irritation, and bone spur development on the bony vertebrae that can be painful.
Video description of progression of disc herniation: normal, degenerate, herniated
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Lumbar Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Cox Chiropractic Medicine INC uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Lumbar Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the knee
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the low back and stays above the knee
At Home Care
At home you may want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, wear a support brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, sleep on a supportive mattress, sit in an ergonomically designed chair, avoid constipation which just forces you to use pressure that your spine doesn't need, and modify your daily activities as needed.
Clinical Case Reports
Contact Cox Chiropractic Medicine INC for gentle relief of your lumbar spine degenerative disc disease pain.