Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: A Holistic Approach at Accelerated Care Chiropractic, PC


What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition that affects the spinal discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. Over time, these discs can deteriorate, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility as loss of that cushioning leads to nerve irritation. While it’s commonly associated with aging, other factors like lifestyle and genetics can also contribute to its onset.

High-impact sports, injuries at the gym, and even more benign activities like sitting at a desk with poor posture can all cause harm to the discs in the spine.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of DDD can vary from mild to severe and may include back or neck pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. However, it doesn’t necessarily take imaging to diagnose this problem. Accelerated Care Chiropractic has spent decades identifying common conditions and treatments.

In fact, our staff can use functional mobility tests to diagnose likely causes of your back pain at your first session.

Once diagnosis has been established, you can expect our team to lay out the most effective treatment strategy for your unique condition.

Holistic Manual Therapy Treatments

ACC offers a range of holistic manual therapy treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our treatments include:

  • Deep Tissue Massage: For muscle relaxation and improved blood flow.
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): To break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. You can read more about the treatment here.
  • Active Release Technique (ART): For treating overused muscles.
  • Active Isolated Stretching & Flexibility: To improve range of motion.
  • Joint Mobilization & Manipulation: For better joint function.
  • Percussion/Vibration Therapy: To stimulate muscles and relieve pain.
  • Cupping Therapy: For improved circulation.
  • Kinesiology Taping: To support injured muscles and joints.
  • Nutritional Support: For overall health and well-being.
  • Exercise Prescription: Tailored to your specific needs.

If this seems like a lot, fear not! Our staff will discuss which of these treatment methods are most effective. Usually, a combination of some of these treatments are the key to pain relief and improved mobility. Some patients might prefer more passive treatments like cupping, nutritional coaching, and deep tissue massage. Others prefer using appointments for active stretching and exercises.

Our office’s treatment style is holistic,  and we aim to deliver just that: by looking at your health background, your goals, and your lifestyle, we see beyond your diagnosis to find the best methods to help you get out of pain and stay there.

Who Can Benefit?

Our services are ideal for active individuals and athletes, but that doesn’t mean that we limit our clientele. Anyone who is looking to learn about a wide range of non-invasive treatment options for back pain can trust our office to deliver thorough care and realistic feedback to managing your spinal health.

Ready to see what ACC can do for you? Book now!