Can A Disc in the Lower Back Just Go Bad?

Yes and no. Over time we will get some degeneration in our spine no matter what. Just from work, sports, physical activities, slips and falls etc . . . your body will have some wear and tear. However, that degeneration should be minimal and not cause major back pain.

What typically happens is that an injury happens to part of your back (one of your discs may sustain an injury); then over the years wear and tear and stress accumulates at that “weak spot.” Often times then something irritates that disc enough to cause nerve pressure and pain.

So you see, it doesn’t really go bad on its own. Usually something got the injury started and then it gets worse as time goes on. Sometimes it can be something very simple- a long trip on a plane, a cough, bending and lifting a child.

Here’s an example: Fred never had back pain his entire life, but after helping his neighbor move some furniture the next day he had lower back pain and soreness. The pain went away after a couple days. Fast forward six years . . . Fred presents with severe pain in the lower back that he appears to have just “woken up with” one morning. X-ray and MRI revealed one level of his spine had significant degeneration and a bulged disc.

What had happened, most likely, is that Fred injured his low back about six years ago while moving furniture; in fact, he may have had an injury even prior to that. Stress and degeneration have accumulated at that level in his spine until finally there was enough pressure and irritation to cause low back pain.

Until now, the only thing naturally that really helped with disc degeneration and bulging discs was seeing a chiropractor for spinal adjustments. Now we have a newer and more advanced method to help that gives substantially better results than anything out there. To learn more click this link: How Non Surgical Spinal Decompression Works.

CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. We offer different treatments for chronic and acute lower back pain. Call us at (860)633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• What Tests Will My Doctor Do To Help my Lower back Pain?
  
• Can My Back Be Causing More Than Just Back or Leg Pain?
  
• Lower Back Pain and Its Many Causes
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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The Many Causes of Low Back Pain!

Low back pain can be caused from an injury – a fall at work, a sports injury, a car accident. It can also come from sleeping in an awkward position too long, lifting something with poor form, years of wear and tear on your body…I could go on and on. But what it comes down to is pressure on the nerves in the lower spine.

This is most often due to disc degeneration, bulging of the discs, ruptured spinal discs, misalignments in the spine or pelvis, and muscle strain. Any of the previously listed or any combination puts direct pressure on the nerves or creates internal inflammation that causes the nerve pressure.

Not to mention any of the above can contribute to other problems as well. A degenerative disc usually flattens and bulges. A misalignment of the spine creates instability, and the discs between each spinal segment will not be held there as securely. This can lead to a disc rupture, herniation or bulge. Continuous pressure on nerves can cause faster breakdown and degeneration.

The doctors at CT Spine And Disc Center will perform a complete examination, consider other contributing causes, and will treat the problem(s) causing the LBP condition. If needed, working with other allied health care providers will be arranged. Exercise, dietary recommendations, ergonomic or work modifications, spinal manipulation, and modalities will all be considered to help eliminate or control of the LBP.

YOU MAYBE A CANDIDATE FOR DRUG FREE RELIEF! FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION CALL 633-8756

"Why Does Every Dr I See Tell me There's Nothing Wrong When I Have Major Back & Leg Pain "

"I've been through multiple tests - XRays, MRI's of my entire spine, blood work, nerve tests and more".

"Every doctor says there's nothing wrong but I have severe back pain and leg pain too. What could it be and what do I do? I can't deal with this pain any longer!"

Sound familiar?...Many times there can be a low back disc issue creating the pain or problem that doesn't get properly diagnosed and caught!

I see many patients who come in with degeneration in the spine and alot of lower back pain or leg symptoms.

Degeneration is sometimes enough to create major presssure on the nerves which gives you back pain, leg pain, tingling and numbness, or something worse.


When the disc degenerates it will flatten and bulge. This flattening will leave less room for the nerve to exit off of the spinal cord and communicate to the low back, hips, legs, and the muscles in these region.

Degeneration may not always be taken seriously because over time most people will get some degeneration or arthritis as they get older!...When, in fact, depending where that degeneration is exactly, and what nerves it puts pressure on, can determine what symptoms may occur - back pain, muscle stiffness or spasm, leg or foot pain, etc...

So remember, if you have pain then it's not normal and most likely may get worse! You may be a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression.Call CT Spine and Disc Center to see if you will be a candidate for our treatment at 860-633-8756

What is Degenerative Disc Disease and can Spinal Decompression help?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a natural condition of the body that causes deterioration of the intervertebral discs.The discs that are in between the bones act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region). This deterioration is a gradual process that can take place over years. This can compromise the spine. Although DDD is relatively common, its effects are usually not severe enough to warrant significant medical intervention.

Long before Degenerative Disc Disease can be seen radiographically, biochemical and histologic (structural) changes occur. Over time the collagen (protein) structure of the annulus fibrosis weakens and may become structurally unstable. Also, water and proteoglycans(PG) content decreases as one ages. PGs are molecules that attract water. These changes are linked and may lead to the disc's inability to handle mechanical stress. Degenerative disc changes are more likely to occur in people who smoke cigarettes and those who do heavy physical work (such as repeated heavy lifting). People who are obese are also more likely to have symptoms of degenerative disc disease. A sudden (acute) injury leading to a herniated disc (such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident) may also start the process of degeneration

When the space in between the vertebrae becomes smaller as in DDD, the body's natural reaction to this is the construction of bony growths called bone spurs (osteophytes). Bone spurs can put pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord, resulting in pain and affecting nerve function.


Non Surgical Spinal decompression is one treatment that can help to restore the disc height. For patients who have chronic low back pain from DDD, and want a non surgical approach, spinal decompression may be the answer. Call our Glastonbury CT office (860) 633-8756 today to see if you will be a candidate for lumbar spinal decompression.