Years of stress or overuse can cause your spine to degenerate, or wear out, early. Some causes include poor posture, previous injuries, abnormal curvature, and repeated activities that strain the spine. Over time, misaligned joints wear on each other, resulting in reduced motion and disc thinning. As the disc thins further, the nerves can become pinched and vertebrae begin to fuse. Pain may be severe and range of motion greatly reduced.

Your treatment depends on the cause and stage of spinal degeneration. Spinal adjustments can help relieve pain and slow degeneration. Other treatment may be included to help relax the surrounding muscles. These may include heat, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and stretching. Dr. DelPlato will also prescribe exercises to help reduce pain and improve mobility.