Decompression Therapy Helps With Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age the discs in our spine tend to lose hydration and height, which may cause degenerative disc disease. As discs degenerate they become less likely to handle the mechanical forces placed on the disc leading to more serious injuries such as disc herniation and/or stenosis. Performance Rehab patients are using DRX 9000 spinal decompression therapy to help alleviate this condition.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease occurs when discs begin to lose hydration leading to deterioration and wearing away of the disc’s natural ability to resist mechanical loads. As the discs begin to erode they become prone to injury. Degenerative disc disease can lead to more serious injury such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis. It is important to remember that degenerative disc disease is not truly a disease, however a term used to describe normal changes occurring in the discs of the spine. These changes occur with time as we age and are mostly seen in the lumbar spine (low back). Lack of disc hydration is an initial problem seen with disc disease, which reduces the ability to handle the natural mechanical forces and the disc becomes less flexible. These changes are commonly seen in smokers and populations who lift heavy weights or engage in hard physical labor.

Degenerative disc disease is not always easy to diagnose because it may or may not cause low back pain, most individuals do not have any symptoms. When pain is present it may be aggravated with movements such as twisting and bending and often times will not begin until after a severe injury. If you are experiencing pain in your lower back it is always best to seek treatment.

How is Degenerative Disc Disease treated?

Historically, individuals with disc disease do very well with conservative treatment such as chiropractic care and physical therapy. For patients that do not respond to conservative treatment at Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, we incorporate state-of-the-art non-surgical spinal decompression therapy known as DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. Spinal Decompression therapy has demonstrated great results when combined with chiropractic care and physical therapy for these types of conditions in restoring function and hydration to the discs in the spine.

Available at Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, DRX 9000 Decompression therapy is changing the game for patients suffering with stubborn long-standing disc injuries. The DRX is one of the most research-supported treatments available and we continue to see great results for long standing disc conditions. While being treated with spinal decompression therapy, patients will undergo a full course of physical therapy and chiropractic care. Our physical therapists will begin to stabilize and strengthen the muscles involved with disc injuries while our chiropractors will restore function to the joints in your low back.

To schedule a consultation or if you have any questions please contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators at 908-756-2424 or by email at info@performancerehabnj.com .

About the Authors:

Joseph Mejia D.O., F.A.A.P.M.& R, is a graduate of University of Michigan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Dr. Mejia received his Fellowship Training in Interventional Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry. He has advanced training in Regenerative Medicine and is the Medical Director and Partner of Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine.

Vincent J. Diana D.C. is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College. He is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with licenses held in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dr. Diana is a Chiropractic Physician at Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine.