Degenerative Disc
Disease Treatment
Non-surgical care for the back and neck pain that can come with worn, thinner discs.
- Exam firstYour history, an exam and any imaging you have.
- DecompressionGentle traction that lets fluid back into the disc.
- RehabStrength and mobility to protect the discs you have.
What Happens
As Discs Wear
Despite the name, it is less a disease than the wear discs go through with age.
Discs lose water
Each disc starts out full of water. Over the years it dries out, grows thinner and cushions the spine less.
Small tears add up
The tough outer layer can crack with time. Smoking, extra weight, heavy physical work and old injuries can speed the wear.
When wear turns into pain
Worn discs may cause no symptoms at all. Pain comes when a thinner disc lets the joints grind or a nerve gets pinched.
How We Treat
Worn Discs
Care aims to take pressure off the discs and keep the spine moving.
Spinal Decompression
Gentle traction that can open space between the vertebrae and let fluid and nutrients back into the disc.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle adjustments that keep stiff joints moving around the worn discs.
Laser Therapy
Specific wavelengths of light applied to the skin. Certain laser devices are FDA-cleared for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain.
Rehab
Exercises for strength and flexibility that take load off the discs.
Signs of
Worn Discs
Pain from worn discs often comes and goes, with flare-ups between quieter stretches.
- Low Back or Neck PainA steady ache where the worn disc sits, sometimes with sharper flare-ups.
- Pain When SittingSitting loads the discs of the low back more than standing or walking.
- StiffnessA back or neck that feels tight, often worst in the morning.
- Pain That TravelsPain into the buttocks, legs or arms when a nerve gets pinched.
- Numbness and TinglingPins and needles in the arms or legs.
- Spinal StenosisOver time, worn discs can narrow the space around the nerves.
Why Patients Choose
Our Care for Worn Discs
Dr. Currington has practiced for over 20 years, and the clinic is part of the Disc Centers of America network.
Non-surgical and drug-free
Decompression and adjustments are options to try before injections or surgery.
Fluid back into the disc
Decompression creates a gentle pull that can draw fluid and nutrients back into the disc.
A plan for the long run
Disc wear is a lasting change, so care includes the exercises and habits that keep flare-ups down.
Neck and back alike
Worn discs in the neck and the low back get the same careful exam.
Your First Visit
For Worn Discs
Your first visit shows how much the wear is behind your pain.
Your History
How long it has hurt, what makes it worse and any imaging you have.
Your Exam
Movement, strength and reflex checks show where the pain comes from.
Your Plan
Decompression, adjustments and rehab, set for your discs.
Staying Well
Exercises and habits that help keep the discs healthy once the pain settles.
Questions Patients Ask
About Worn Discs
What patients ask most about disc wear. For decompression itself, see the decompression page.
Treatments That Help
With Worn Discs
Decompression, adjustments, laser and rehab each play a part. Read more about each below.
- Spinal DecompressionGentle traction that takes pressure off the discs in your neck, low back and hips.
- Chiropractic AdjustmentsPrecise hands-on adjustments that realign the spine and joints and ease nerve pressure.
- Laser TherapyLow-level laser light that helps calm inflammation and support healing.
- Physical RehabGuided exercise and therapy that rebuild strength and mobility after an injury.
In Their
Own Words
Read Every ReviewMy goal is to get you well so you don’t have to keep seeing me.
Get a Free Consultation
With Dr. Currington
He will look at what is causing your pain and map out a plan. Leave your details and the clinic will call you.
The clinic calls back to set a time, usually within one business day.
Visit the Clinic
In Dallas
Find us on North Central Expressway, Suite 104. Call ahead or request a visit and our staff will confirm your time.
- Address
- 4228 N Central Expy Ste 104
Dallas, TX 75206 - Phone
- (214) 520-1006
- Office hours
Monday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesday 9:30 AM to 2 PM Wednesday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Thursday 9 AM to 5:30 PM Friday Closed Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
Guides and Answers
From the Clinic
Plain answers to the questions patients ask Dr. Currington most.
- Ergonomics Over DodgeballMark talks about teaching ergonomics earlier in life, and Eric turns the idea into an ergonomics-over-dodgeball joke.Read Article
- Yes, You Can Scroll: What A Spinal Decompression Session Is LikeWhat actually happens during a spinal decompression session at our Dallas clinic, from the harness to how long it takes and how often you come in.Read Article
- What Is The Towel Technique?Mark calls the towel technique axial decompression and explains the direction of the pull he is describing.Read Article
