Degenerative Disc Disease
When I am going over x-rays with patients and I show them that they have some signs of Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), my elderly patients usually say, “Isn’t that just because I am getting old?”
I wanted to shine a light on the situation to better explain what is Degenerative Joint Disease, and how we can treat it. DJD is a result of joint abnormalities that can affect the surrounding cartilage and joint tissues. Typically the patient will feel achy and stiff.
Most of the time DJD shows up in the body, not from overuse, but rather from not enough use of the body. I always tell my patients, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”.
DJD can be treated with NSAIDs, glucosamine, chondroitin, and s-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Occasional and gradual loading of the spine has been shown to help also. This is most effective in the form of weight-bearing exercises.
Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustments) has also been proven as an effective tool in the treatment of DJD. Better yet, studies have shown that regular chiropractic adjustments may also prevent DJD from forming. If you feel achy and stiff, call our office to schedule your next appointment.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Chiropractor in Mooresville, NC
704-728-1693
