Ask Dr. Austin: Can Chiropractic Care Help With Degenerative Discs?

Go degenerative discs? You might want to head to your friendly local Chiropractor. Dr. Austin explains.

DEAR DR. AUSTIN: Are there any adjustments appropriate for degenerative discs? — BACK PAIN

DEAR BACK PAIN: This is an interesting question and I’d love some more information. Disc degeneration is usually caused by vertebrae that have shifted out of alignment and are putting pressure on the discs. This will cause the degeneration. Age, gravity and compressive injury can also contribute to this. Chiropractic will restore the proper alignment of the misaligned (aka subluxated) vertebrae taking pressure off the disc, slowing the process of degeneration. Therefore, all chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for degenerative discs. I would also recommend swimming and traction as therapies to help strengthen the areas being affected as well.

—