Spinal Pain and Disc Degeneration
Various physiotherapists, osteopaths, and even chiropractors have noted the relationship between physical trauma and an acceleration of the disc degeneration process. An aggressive example would be competitive high school and collegiate wrestlers who suffered multiple head collisions in their careers. In most of these athletes, an accelerated process of degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative joint (DJD) disease occurs. Although this process is a normal part of aging, traumatic accidents will accelerate the process.
How does this relate to the chiropractor? Often patients present to a chiropractic office with ongoing neck or low back pain of unspecified origin—meaning that nothing in the last two to three months specifically causes their current pain. After a complete chiropractic evaluation including a radiographic evaluation (x-ray), a possible diagnosis is either Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). A typical explanation to the patient includes how physical trauma leads to a “wearing down” of the disc, much like how a car tire loses its tread from years of use.
The good thing is the patient can often achieve relief by adjustments to the bones displaying nerve irritation. Case in point: There are six stages of Disc Degeneration and each stage plays a different role in clinical management for the chiropractor.
D1: Swollen disc in the acute phase usually seen two to three days after the injury. Increased disc height both anterior and posterior.
D2: Three to five months after the injury; Some narrowing at the posterior aspect of the disc.
D3: Three to five years after the injury; Even more narrowing at the posterior.
D4: Five to ten years after initial injury.
D5: Ten to fifteen years after initial injury.
D6: 15-20 years after injury; area is often fused.
Clinically, chiropractic care is effective for the D1 disc with significant improvement within two to seven days. Often the patient adjusted twice a day for maximum improvement. Complete abatement of pain is highly probable.
The D6 disc takes 15-20 years to erode. Unfortunately, other healthcare providers commonly tell patients that the pain is all in their head. However, once a skilled chiropractic puts their finger on the spot, they can often tell the patient that their injury probably occurred years ago. Although, the disc and joint are structurally unstable and painful, chiropractic can relieve the pain and increase mobility but allow a minimum of three weeks for improvement. Ongoing attention to the area is usually required to minimize and manage the pain.
Pictures: Phase 1 thru 4
Dr. Matt
