Last week, I mentioned that I wanted to talk more about Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). Technically, DDD, is not really a disease. The term is used to describe the process of disc degeneration that may happen to some people as they age.
Here is a great video that explains in more detail, how discs degeneration occurs.
For most of us, DDD happens because of general wear and tear as we age, but for some, there can be genetic factors:
“In 1998, Matsui L et al. (398) demonstrated for the first time that moderate to severe disc degeneration was strongly associated with a family history of past disc surgery. This study evaluated two groups of patients (gender and age matched) that were both suffering from lower back pain and/or unilateral leg pain. The “study group” consisted of first-degree family members from patients who had undergone disc surgery. The “control group” consisted of back pain patients who had no history of disc surgery amongst their first-degree family members. Both groups were suffering back and/or leg pain of equal duration and intensity. Next, all members of the study and control group underwent an MRI study to check for degenerative disc disease. RESULTS: The study group was twice as likely to demonstrate moderate and severe degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the critical lower lumbar discs than did the control group. Matsui concluded that paper by saying, “there may be a genetic factor and familial predisposition in the development of lumbar disc herniation as an expression of disc degeneration.” (398) Other investigations have demonstrated this same finding. (396,397,399)” – ChiroGeek.com
Is there anything that can treat DDD?
While Manual Chiropractic manipulation can help to treat nerve pain associated with DDD by restoring proper alignment of the spine, Spinal Decompression can actually help to treat the disease.
Normal, healthy discs are “fed” and oxygenated, not through a direct blood supply, but by the constant recycling of the disc fluid that occurs with spinal joint motion. Joint motion “sucks” in fluid filled with oxygen and nutrients and “pumps out” waste fluid. Constant internal disc pressure (from daily physical activity) also pushes the fluid out of the disc, making it difficult for the body to “suck” in new, healthy disc fluid with its much-needed oxygen and nutrients. During Spinal Decompression, negative pressure is created, forcing water, oxygen and nutrients to diffuse back into the degenerated disc. As long as the disc is able to stay hydrated and healthy, normal degeneration shouldn’t happen as quickly.
Next week, I’ll discuss DDD and disc herniation as it relates to the thoracic region of the spine, which is the upper-middle portion of the back.
Dr. Bart
