Degenerative Disc Disease

Many doctors consider this diagnosis and end to active lifestyles, when in fact, it should be the beginning. The reason for most degenerative discs is the loss of normal motion in the joint due to stresses, injuries, biomechanical defects and hereditary involvement.

There is ALWAYS a relative opportunity for improvement. Even if a doctor has told you to stop running or exercising in the absence of any rehabilitative program, the chances are there that you may be able to get back to a more active lifestyle.

Keep in mind that all discs need good circulation to maintain good health. Circulation carries food and oxygen and this can only occur with good motion in the joint. Once motion is lost, which occurs with injuries, abnormal biomechanical stresses, heredity and other factors, the joint will begin to go through degenerative changes.

Degenerative changes can be recognized by

• loss of normal motion
• pain upon motion
• the presence on an x-ray
• symptoms originating from the area of possible degeneration
• i.e. sciatica, buttocks pain, leg pain, etc.

Three Phases of Correction

• Eliminating the Symptoms
• This is usually the state when most runners notice problems. After a clear diagnosis, the first step is to get the symptoms calmed down. This is done with reducing activity, icing the area, ultra-sound, manipulation to restore motion, nutritional support (Rehab Plus) and other possible modalities.

• Rehabilitation
• Restoration of motion to the joint is critical to improving the condition. Without this phase of care, the condition will never improve. This involves manipulation, physical therapy, rehabilitative exercises, habit modification, home treatment, nutritional support (Ligaplex II, Glucosamine and Rehab Plus) and more.

• Lifetime Maintenance
• Once the condition of the body has improved, there is a lifetime to maintain this improvement. Inactivity will never do it. Controlled activity is the desired approach, combined with other treatments and exercises.