Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common findings on spinal imaging and one of the most misunderstood diagnoses a patient can receive. The name sounds alarming. The reality is more nuanced. Some degree of disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and is present in a large percentage of adults over forty, many of whom have no pain at all. The presence of degeneration on an MRI does not automatically explain a patient's symptoms, and the absence of degeneration does not mean there is nothing wrong.
What matters clinically is whether the degeneration is contributing to pain, nerve irritation, or loss of function, and if so, what can be done about it. At Loop Spine & Sports Center, Dr. Trottier evaluates each patient individually rather than treating an image. The goal is to understand what is actually driving the symptoms and address it directly.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The discs of the spine are largely avascular, meaning they do not have a direct blood supply and depend on movement and hydration to receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Over time, with age, repetitive stress, poor posture, and cumulative physical demands, the discs begin to lose height and hydration. The outer layer can develop small tears and the disc loses some of its ability to absorb shock and maintain proper spacing between the vertebrae.
As disc height decreases, the surrounding joints and ligaments come under increased stress. The nerves that exit the spine may have less space available to them. Inflammation can develop in the affected segments. The result for many patients is chronic low back or neck pain that varies in intensity, stiffness after prolonged sitting or sleeping, and periods of acute flare-up following relatively minor physical demands.
How We Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease cannot be reversed, but its symptoms can be managed effectively with the right combination of conservative care. At Loop Spine & Sports Center the treatment approach for disc degeneration typically includes spinal decompression therapy to reduce compression on the affected segments and promote fluid movement back into the disc, chiropractic adjusting to restore proper motion to the restricted vertebral segments surrounding the degenerated disc, and lumbar flexion distraction to gently decompress the lumbar spine and reduce nerve irritation.
Massage therapy addresses the chronic muscle tension and guarding that develops around degenerating spinal segments over time. Many patients with degenerative disc disease find that consistent massage is one of the most effective tools for managing their day to day comfort level. Custom foot orthotics are added when lower extremity mechanics are contributing to the compressive load on the lumbar spine.
The goal of treatment is not to cure the degeneration but to reduce pain, improve function, and give patients the tools to manage their condition effectively over the long term. Many patients with significant disc degeneration maintain a good quality of life with periodic chiropractic care and massage.
What to Expect
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition and treatment reflects that reality. The initial phase of care focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and restoring as much normal movement as possible. Once that is established the focus shifts to maintenance, keeping the spine moving well, managing muscle tension, and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups over time.
Dr. Trottier will give you a realistic picture of what improvement looks like for your specific case and what a long-term management plan might involve. There are no promises of a cure and no pressure to commit to a preset program.
Ready to Get Some Relief?
New patients are welcome and can take advantage of our $75 first visit special, which includes a thorough consultation, complete spinal examination, digital x-rays if needed, and a report of findings. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what is going on and whether we can help.
Loop Spine & Sports Center is located at 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 605 in the heart of the Chicago Loop, steps from Millennium Park and accessible from every CTA train line.