Degenerative disc disease can cause back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that interfere with daily life. At Atlas Medical Center, we focus on conservative, non-surgical regenerative care using stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, and spinal decompression to help relieve pain and support the body’s healing process.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal discs gradually lose hydration, flexibility, and strength over time. As spinal discs wear down, they may provide less cushioning between the vertebrae, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and irritation. Although commonly associated with aging, degenerative disc disease can also be influenced by injury, repetitive strain, posture, and overall spinal health.
Common Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease:
- Persistent neck or back pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the spine, especially after rest
- Pain that improves with movement or changing positions
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs due to nerve irritation
- Flare-ups of pain that come and go, ranging from mild discomfort to severe episodes
Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy supports the body’s natural repair processes by introducing regenerative cells to damaged tissues. These cells release signaling molecules that may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in and around degenerating discs. While not intended to “rebuild” discs overnight, stem cell therapy may help improve the disc environment, reduce pain, and support function by addressing underlying inflammatory and degenerative processes.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses a concentrated portion of the patient’s own blood, rich in growth factors. When introduced to affected spinal structures, PRP releases biological signals that may help regulate inflammation and encourage tissue repair. In degenerative disc disease, PRP is often used to support surrounding ligaments, joints, and soft tissues, thereby improving spinal stability and reducing pain caused by excessive motion or irritation.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care addresses degenerative disc disease by improving spinal alignment, joint mobility, and biomechanics. Gentle, targeted adjustments help reduce abnormal stress placed on spinal discs and surrounding joints. By restoring proper movement patterns, chiropractic care can decrease nerve irritation, reduce muscle guarding, and improve overall spinal function. This approach is often used to slow further degeneration and support long-term spinal health.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. At a biological level, the light energy enhances mitochondrial function, which may improve tissue repair and reduce inflammation. For degenerative disc disease, cold laser therapy is used to address pain and inflammation in surrounding soft tissues, nerves, and joints. It is non-invasive and often incorporated into broader conservative treatment plans.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy to reduce pressure within spinal discs. By gently stretching the spine in a controlled manner, decompression creates negative pressure within the disc, which may improve nutrient exchange and reduce stress on the disc. This can help relieve disc-related pain, reduce nerve compression, and improve mobility. Spinal decompression is often used as part of a comprehensive, conservative care strategy.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment FAQs
Can degenerative disc disease be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many people manage degenerative disc disease successfully with conservative, non-surgical care. Treatments that reduce inflammation, improve spinal mechanics, and support tissue healing can relieve pain and improve mobility. Surgery is typically considered only after non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted or if there is severe nerve compromise.
Will treatment reverse disc degeneration?
Degenerative disc disease is not usually “reversed,” but treatment can slow progression and greatly reduce symptoms. By improving spinal stability, reducing inflammation, and supporting surrounding tissues, you may experience less pain, improved movement, and a better quality of life, even if disc changes remain visible on imaging.
How long does it take to feel relief from treatment?
Your response depends on the severity of degeneration, your overall health, and the therapies used. Some people notice improvement within weeks, while others require several months of consistent care. Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition, so gradual, sustained improvement is more common than instant results.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atlas Medical Center offers non-surgical regenerative therapies that relieve pain and improve mobility without relying on long-term pharmaceutical painkillers or surgical procedures. Our progressive, non-surgical approach supports the body’s natural ability to repair itself while addressing the root causes of degenerative disc disease. If you’re ready to explore your treatment options, schedule a consultation at our Irving or Fort Worth, TX, office today.