Spine, Back & Neck
Degenerative Disc Disease
An imaging description of disc change over time — not a disease in the usual sense.
Also called: Disc degeneration, Lumbar disc degeneration, Cervical disc degeneration.
Despite the name, this describes gradual change in disc height and hydration that is extremely common with age. Many people with these findings have no symptoms.
The term can sound alarming on a report, but on its own it does not indicate how much pain, if any, a person should expect.
Why this matters
The useful questions are how the spine is moving, how the surrounding structures are coping, and what can be changed — not how alarming the report sounds.
People sometimes limit activity out of concern for a diagnosis that, by itself, does not predict future problems, and that avoidance can become more limiting than the finding itself.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Segments that move less send less position information to the brain, which is one reason movement quality is assessed rather than just imaging.
The evaluation focuses on how well the spine is currently functioning, since that is a more useful and more changeable target than the appearance of the disc on a scan.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.