Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease sounds alarming, but the name is a little misleading - it isn't really a disease, and it doesn't mean your spine is falling apart. It's the gradual wear-and-tear that happens to the soft, cushioning discs between your vertebrae as you age. Those discs lose water and height over time, and when they do, they absorb shock less effectively. The result is often a dull, nagging back or neck ache that flares with certain movements.

How It Feels

Everyone experiences it differently. Some people feel a deep ache that comes and goes, often worse after sitting for long stretches or when bending and twisting. Others notice pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or down a leg when a worn disc irritates a nearby nerve. Many feel best when they keep moving and stiffest first thing in the morning. If your discomfort has crept up slowly over the years rather than appearing after a single injury, disc degeneration may be part of the picture.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

You can't reverse the natural aging of a disc, but you can absolutely change how your spine moves and feels. At Caruso Family Chiropractic, Dr. Robert Caruso starts with a thorough evaluation of your posture, range of motion, and spinal alignment to understand exactly where the strain is coming from. From there, he builds a plan around your body and your daily routine. Gentle chiropractic adjustments restore healthier movement to stiff segments, while therapies like massage, cold laser, and targeted exercise reduce inflammation and rebuild the support your spine needs.

The goal is simple: take pressure off irritated nerves, improve how your spine carries load, and help you move through your day with less pain. Many patients who assumed they'd just have to live with chronic discomfort find real, steady relief with consistent care. Explore the full range of conditions we treat to see how we can help.