Degenerative Disc Disease: Signs, Causes and Treatment
in Charleston SC

Back or neck pain that comes and goes? Stiffness when you sit? These could be signs of degenerative disc disease in Charleston SC.

Learn the signs of degenerative disc disease and how our team helps you move better.

Your spine is a stack of bones with soft, cushion-like discs between them. These discs work like shock absorbers. Over time, they can dry out, get thinner, and wear down. Doctors call this degenerative disc disease, or DDD.

The name sounds scary, but DDD is not really a "disease." It is a normal part of aging that happens to almost everyone. Many people never feel it. For others, it causes pain that gets in the way of work, sleep, and family time. That is where we come in.

What are the signs and symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

People with DDD often notice:

Pain in the lower back or neck that comes and goes
Pain that flares up for days or weeks, then calms down
Pain that gets worse when you sit, bend, lift or twist
Pain that feels better when you walk, move around or lie down
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Pain that spreads to the buttocks, thighs, shoulders or arms
Numbness, tingling or "pins and needles" in the arms or legs
Weakness in the legs or arms, or feeling like your back may "give out"

What causes degenerative disc disease?

Age. Discs lose water as we get older, so they get thinner and less springy.
Daily wear and tear. Years of bending, lifting, and sitting add up.
Injury. A fall, car accident, or sports injury can speed up the damage.
Lifestyle. Smoking, extra body weight, and heavy physical work put more stress on discs.
Family history. Some people are simply more likely to get it.

How we diagnose DDD in Charleston SC

We start by listening. We ask where it hurts, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Then we do a hands-on exam to check how you move, your reflexes, and your strength. If needed, we use X-rays or an MRI to see your discs up close. This tells us what is really going on so we can build the right plan for you.

How we treat degenerative disc disease

We cannot turn back the clock on a worn disc. But we can take pressure off it, calm the pain, and help your body work better. Your plan may include:

Chiropractic adjustments to help joints move the way they should
Spinal decompression to gently take pressure off discs and nerves
Therapeutic exercise to build the core and back muscles that support your spine
Soft tissue therapy to relax tight, sore muscles
Posture and daily habit coaching for sitting, lifting, and sleeping
Teamwork with other doctors when you need imaging, injections, or a surgical opinion

Our goal is to help you get back to the things you love with less pain and fewer flare-ups.