Degenerative disc disease can make everyday activities feel like a challenge.
If you’re dealing with chronic back or neck pain, you might be wondering: can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease?
The answer is yes—chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage symptoms and improve how your spine moves and feels.
Let’s take a look at how chiropractic care helps patients manage disc-related pain and get back to doing what they love.
GET CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR YOU BACK PAIN
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease, or DDD, happens when the discs between your vertebrae start to break down.
These discs act like cushions, and when they lose height or flexibility, they can’t protect your spine as well.
This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even nerve issues.
Some of the most common causes include aging, repetitive stress, injuries, and poor posture.
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease often show up as lower back pain, neck pain, or pain that travels into the arms or legs.
You might notice it gets worse with sitting, bending, or twisting.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Degenerative Disc Disease
Chiropractic care focuses on keeping your spine aligned and moving the way it should.
When your spine is misaligned, it can put extra pressure on your discs and surrounding nerves.
This can make pain and inflammation worse.
By restoring motion and reducing tension, chiropractic adjustments can help take pressure off the discs and calm irritated nerves.
For people with mild to moderate DDD, chiropractic care can be a powerful part of a long-term treatment plan.
Chiropractic Techniques for DDD
At First Choice Medical, we use targeted techniques that are safe for patients with degenerative disc issues, including:
Spinal adjustments
Gentle spinal manipulation helps realign the spine and improve mobility.
This can reduce pressure on the discs and surrounding nerves.
Flexion-distraction therapy
This technique uses a special table to gently stretch the spine.
It’s a great option for disc-related issues because it reduces spinal pressure without using forceful movements.
Soft tissue work
Muscles surrounding the spine often tighten up when discs start to degenerate.
Manual therapy can relax these muscles and reduce pain.
Rehab exercises and posture support
We’ll show you how to strengthen your core and improve posture, both of which are key for keeping your spine supported and preventing flare-ups.
Why Chiropractic Care Is Worth Considering for DDD
If you’re looking for a non-surgical treatment for degenerative disc disease, chiropractic care can help in several ways:
- It provides pain relief without medications
- It improves mobility in stiff or locked-up joints
- It reduces inflammation around the nerves
- It supports better posture and spinal health
- It may help delay or avoid more invasive treatments
Most importantly, it focuses on the root cause of your pain—not just the symptoms.
When Chiropractic Care Makes Sense (And When It Might Not)
Chiropractic care is usually a good fit for people with mild to moderate DDD.
It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with stiffness, nerve irritation, or pain that limits your movement.
In more advanced cases—like when the spine is unstable or nerves are severely compressed—we may recommend working with other providers or combining chiropractic care with additional treatments.
That’s why a detailed exam is so important.
We always start with a consultation, and if needed, we’ll order imaging to get a full picture of what’s going on.
How We Help at First Choice Medical
At First Choice Medical, we take a personalized, hands-on approach to helping people with back and neck pain.
Our chiropractic care is focused on real results—not quick fixes.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- One-on-one consultations and spinal evaluations
- Safe, evidence-based techniques like flexion-distraction therapy
- Customized treatment plans tailored to your condition
- Home exercises and posture coaching to support your recovery
- A full team of experienced providers who care about your outcome
We understand that degenerative disc disease can affect your life in many ways.
That’s why we focus on helping you move better, feel better, and avoid unnecessary procedures.
What Happens at a Chiropractic Appointment
When you come in for your first visit, we’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, review your health history, and check your spine for misalignments or movement issues.
If we think imaging like an X-ray or MRI is needed, we’ll guide you through that too.
Once we know what’s going on, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs.
That might include spinal adjustments, stretching exercises, muscle therapy, or a combination of treatments designed to ease pressure on your discs.
We’ll also teach you how to care for your spine between visits—because lasting relief doesn’t stop when you walk out the door.
Final Thoughts: Can a Chiropractor Help with Degenerative Disc Disease
So, can a chiropractor help with degenerative disc disease?
For many people, the answer is yes.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free option that focuses on improving spinal function and reducing the pain caused by disc degeneration.
At First Choice Medical, we’re here to help you take the next step toward relief and long-term recovery.
FAQs: Can a Chiropractor Help with Degenerative Disc Disease
Can a chiropractor help with a bulging disc?
Yes, a chiropractor can help manage symptoms of a bulging disc by using gentle spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction therapy, and targeted exercises to relieve pressure on the affected area and improve mobility.
Can a chiropractor help with a herniated disc?
In many cases, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and inflammation from a herniated disc. Techniques like spinal decompression and low-force adjustments can ease nerve pressure and support healing, depending on the severity of the disc issue.
What should you not do with degenerative disc disease?
Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact activities, and prolonged sitting or poor posture, as these can worsen symptoms. It’s also important not to ignore persistent pain or push through movements that cause sharp discomfort.
Is it good to walk with degenerative disc disease?
Yes, walking is generally beneficial for people with degenerative disc disease. It helps improve circulation, keeps the spine mobile, and strengthens the muscles that support your back, as long as it’s done with proper form and pacing.
How can I make my degenerative disc disease better?
Managing degenerative disc disease involves a combination of chiropractic care, targeted exercises, good posture, a healthy diet, and avoiding movements that strain the spine. Consistent care and lifestyle changes can help reduce pain and slow degeneration.
What is the best sleeping position for degenerative disc disease?
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees can help keep your spine aligned and reduce pressure on the discs. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can increase strain on the spine.
