Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is degenerative disc disease?

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn't a disease in the usual sense. It's a term for the gradual changes discs go through with age: they lose water, become thinner and less springy, and may develop small tears or bone spurs nearby. These changes are found in many adults with no pain.

For some people, these changes contribute to stiffness, ongoing low back or neck pain, or nerve irritation. The goal of care is not to reverse aging, but to help the spine move and handle load more comfortably.

Common symptoms of degenerative disc disease

• Ongoing, low-level back or neck pain with occasional flare-ups
• Pain that is worse with sitting, bending or lifting
• Stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
• Relief with walking or changing positions often
• Radiating arm or leg symptoms if a nerve is involved

What causes degenerative disc disease?

Age is the main factor; discs naturally lose hydration over decades. Genetics play a strong role. Past injuries, repetitive heavy work, smoking and carrying extra weight may speed the process or make symptoms more likely.

Is degenerative disc disease really a disease?

Not really. It's a label for age-related disc changes that almost everyone develops to some degree. Seeing it on an MRI report doesn't mean your spine is "crumbling" or that pain is inevitable. Many people with significant changes on imaging feel well and stay active.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most degenerative disc disease is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate
• Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• Leg or arm weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop
• Back pain with fever, chills or a history of IV drug use or recent infection
• Pain after a significant fall, car crash or other trauma
• Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

How chiropractic care may help degenerative disc disease

Chiropractic care for degenerative discs aims to improve motion in stiff segments, reduce strain on irritated areas and keep you active. Your doctor may use gentle adjustments, mobility work and a home exercise plan focused on core and hip strength.

At our Portland clinic, Dr. Craig may add DRX9000 spinal decompression, designed to unload the discs and support nutrient exchange. Hood River patients receive chiropractic care with Dr. Alvis and can be referred to Portland when decompression may help.

Services used for degenerative disc disease:

• Spinal Decompression (Portland)
• Chiropractic Adjustments

Is spinal decompression right for degenerative disc disease?

Decompression may be considered for degenerative disc changes that cause persistent back, neck or radiating pain. It may not be appropriate if degeneration is very advanced, if there is significant instability, or with severe osteoporosis — your exam will determine fit.

Decompression is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with surgical hardware in the treatment area, or with spinal fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, advanced infection or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Candidacy is always decided at an exam.

Portland only: DRX9000 spinal decompression is performed by Dr. Jerome Craig, D.C., LMT at 2916 NE Broadway, Suite B. Hood River patients can be evaluated by Dr. Alvis and referred when appropriate. Learn about spinal decompression →

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for degenerative disc disease at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your degenerative disc disease — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Walk daily; regular movement helps discs exchange fluid and nutrients.
• Build core and hip strength with exercises your doctor recommends.
• Change positions often and avoid long, uninterrupted sitting.
• If you smoke, quitting may support disc and overall spine health.