The goal of chiropractic care for degenerative disc disease (DDD) is to improve joint mechanics by improving spinal motion and reducing inflammation. The chiropractor may also work on improving the function of the intervertebral discs—but that’s only if you do not have advanced disc degeneration.

To help treat your DDD symptoms, your chiropractor may use spinal manipulation (also called spinal adjustments). There are multiple types of spinal manipulation. Some common ones are:
• specific spinal manipulation: your chiropractor will identify the joints that are restricted or those that show abnormal motion, and he or she will work to restore movement to the joints using a gentle thrusting technique.
• flexion-distraction technique: this type of spinal manipulation uses a gentle, non-thrusting technique; it’s typically used to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
• instrument-assisted manipulation: this technique uses a hand-held instrument, that allows the chiropractor to adjust with gentle force without thrusting directly into the spine.

Manual therapy may also be used to help treat DDD symptoms. Examples of manual therapy techniques are:
• trigger point therapy: the chiropractor identifies tight painful points on a muscle and puts direct pressure on these points to relieve tension.
• manual joint stretching and resistance techniques: your chiropractor may use one of these techniques to relieve pain and other DDD symptoms.
• therapeutic massage: massage can help reduce muscle tension.
• instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy: this type of manual therapy uses an instrument to reduce pain and muscle tension over degenerated discs and joints.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.