Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease describes changes in spinal discs rather than a disease in the usual sense. Discs can lose hydration, flexibility and height over time. These findings are common on imaging and do not always cause pain.

What causes degenerative disc disease?

Aging, genetics, previous injury, smoking and long-term physical loading can contribute. Imaging changes alone do not reliably predict how much discomfort someone will experience.

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

At Alliance Wellness Clinic in Vancouver, treatment is based on your assessment, symptoms and goals. Options include:

Chiropractic Care: Selected adjustments or mobilization, soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation and lumbar flexion-distraction when appropriate.

Physiotherapy: Strengthening, mobility work and progressive exercise to improve confidence and function.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques focused on joint mobility and muscle tension.

Registered Massage Therapy: Addresses associated muscular discomfort and stiffness.

Acupuncture: Supports pain management and comfortable movement.

IMS/Dry Needling: A physiotherapy option when associated muscular pain or trigger points contribute to symptoms.

Cervical Traction: An option for selected neck presentations with radiating arm symptoms, not routine care for disc degeneration.

Class 4 Laser Therapy: An optional adjunct for selected musculoskeletal symptoms; it does not reverse disc degeneration.

When should you seek treatment?

Book an assessment if recurring neck or back symptoms limit activity or if pain, tingling or numbness travels into the limbs. Progressive neurological symptoms need prompt medical assessment; new bladder or bowel dysfunction or groin numbness is an emergency.