Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Bartlett, TN
Ease Disc Pain and Move With More Confidence
Understanding Your Spine
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease. It is the name for age-related changes in the spinal discs, the cushions between your vertebrae, that cause pain in some people. Over time a disc can lose water, flatten and develop small tears in its outer wall. Disc degeneration is extremely common, and many people with it on an X-ray or MRI have no pain at all.
When the changes do cause symptoms, you may feel a deep, nagging ache in the low back or neck that flares after sitting, bending or lifting, then settles when you walk or change position. Some people also notice stiffness first thing in the morning, or pain that travels into a buttock, leg or arm when a narrowed disc space crowds a nerve.
Many patients in Bartlett and the greater Memphis area tell us they were told they have "the spine of someone much older" and felt there was nothing left to try except pills or surgery. The good news is that degenerative disc pain often responds to conservative, drug-free care, even though the disc changes themselves do not reverse.
Table of Contents
- 01 Why Disc Degeneration Happens
- 02 Disc Changes Versus Disc Pain
- 03 What Accelerates Degenerative Disc Disease?
- 04 Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Degenerative Disc Disease Care in Bartlett, TN
- 05 Treatment Options Comparison
- 06 You May Be Experiencing Degenerative Disc Disease If...
- 07 Related Services
- 08 Frequently Asked Questions
- 09 Scientific References
The Science
Why Disc Degeneration Happens
Each disc has a tough outer ring called the annulus and a soft, gel-like center called the nucleus. In young adults the nucleus is mostly water, which lets the disc absorb shock like a water balloon. Discs have very little direct blood supply, so they depend on movement to pull in nutrients, and they repair slowly. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke lists disc degeneration among the common mechanical causes of back pain.
Beginning as early as the 30s, the nucleus gradually loses water and the disc gets thinner and stiffer. Small cracks can form in the annulus, and the disc may bulge or herniate. As the disc loses height, the vertebrae above and below sit closer together, which changes how load passes through that spinal segment.
That extra load shifts onto the small facet joints at the back of the spine, which can become inflamed and arthritic. The body may also lay down bone spurs to stabilize the segment. Together, these changes can narrow the openings where nerves exit, which is why disc degeneration sometimes produces leg or arm symptoms. This is where spinal decompression for disc degeneration may help, by gently reducing pressure on the disc and nearby nerves.
Deeper Understanding
Disc Changes Versus Disc Pain
Imaging findings and pain do not line up neatly. Research on people without back pain shows that disc degeneration appears on MRI in a large share of adults, and the percentage rises with every decade of age. That is why we treat the person in front of us, not the picture. How your spine moves, which positions provoke your pain and how your nerves respond matter more than the word "degenerative" on a report.
An honest point: no chiropractic treatment, and no other conservative therapy, can regrow a worn disc or reverse degeneration. The realistic goal is less pain, better motion and more strength so you can do the things you care about. For many patients, restoring movement to stiff segments with chiropractic adjustments in Bartlett, TN, including gentle Cox Flexion Distraction, reduces irritation around the affected discs. Pairing that with corrective rehabilitation exercise builds the core and back muscles that share load with the spine.
Degenerative disc disease often overlaps with other conditions. A disc that bulges into a nerve may be a herniated or bulging disc, and degeneration is a common driver of long-term lower back pain and neck pain and stiffness. Our guide to stretches for lower back pain offers gentle movements you can try at home.
Contributing Factors
What Accelerates Degenerative Disc Disease?
Identifying Your Triggers
Age and Genetics
Discs naturally lose water with age, and family history strongly influences how early and how quickly disc degeneration develops.
Past Injury
A fall, sports injury or car accident can tear the disc wall and start a faster cycle of wear at that spinal level.
Repetitive Loading
Jobs with heavy lifting, twisting or long hours of vibration from driving place repeated stress on the lower discs.
Prolonged Sitting
Long stretches at a desk or behind the wheel raise disc pressure and limit the movement discs need to take in nutrients.
Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the tissues around the disc, which may limit disc nutrition and has been linked to faster degeneration.
Excess Body Weight
Extra weight increases the load on each lumbar disc with every step, bend and lift throughout the day.
Why Worthington
Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Degenerative Disc Disease Care in Bartlett, TN
Expert Care in Bartlett
Thorough Assessment
Your first visit includes a full exam and on-site X-rays when needed, so we can see how disc changes relate to your pain.
Triton 6M Decompression
Our Triton 6M table delivers computer-controlled spinal decompression to gently reduce pressure on worn discs and nerves.
Gentle Adjusting Options
Techniques such as Cox Flexion Distraction offer low-force options that suit degenerated and sensitive spinal segments.
Strength for the Long Term
Corrective exercise and home programs help your core support the spine, so improvements are easier to maintain.
Trusted by Neighbors
Winner of the 2025 Memphis Most Award for best chiropractic clinic, with nearly 300 five-star Google reviews.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Stage Road in Bartlett, with Cherry and CareCredit financing available.
Treatment Options Comparison
Is This You?
You May Be Experiencing Degenerative Disc Disease If...
Recognizing When to Seek Help
Pain With Sitting
Your lower back aches more the longer you sit, and standing up after a long drive or meeting takes a moment to straighten out.
Relief When Moving
Walking or changing positions often eases the ache, while staying in one position for too long brings it back.
Morning Stiffness
Your back or neck feels stiff and tight first thing in the morning and loosens up gradually as the day goes on.
Flare-Ups
The pain stays at a low level for weeks, then flares for days after lifting, bending or a busy weekend of yard work.
Radiating Symptoms
You feel pain, tingling or numbness that travels into a buttock, leg, shoulder or arm when a nerve becomes irritated.
X-Ray Findings
A past X-ray or MRI mentioned disc space narrowing, disc desiccation or spondylosis, and you want options beyond pills.
Treatments
Related Services
Explore the drug-free treatments we use for degenerative disc disease.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Gentle, computer-controlled traction on the Triton 6M to ease disc pressure and nerve pain.
Learn More
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise, hands-on spinal adjustments that restore alignment, ease pain and help you move freely.
Learn More 
Prenatal Chiropractic
Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments for back, hip and pelvic comfort as your body changes.
Learn More Your Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Degenerative Disc Disease
Can chiropractic care reverse degenerative disc disease?
No. Chiropractic care cannot reverse disc degeneration or regrow a worn disc, and no conservative treatment can. The goal of care is to reduce pain, improve how your spine moves and build strength so you can stay active. Many patients find their symptoms become much more manageable with a consistent plan.
Is spinal decompression safe for degenerative disc disease?
For many patients, yes. Spinal decompression on our Triton 6M table uses slow, computer-controlled traction that you can stop at any time. We screen for conditions that make decompression a poor fit, such as fractures, advanced osteoporosis or certain implants, during your exam before recommending it.
How long does it take to feel better?
It varies. Some patients notice easier movement within the first few visits, while disc-related pain typically improves gradually over several weeks of care. Degeneration that has developed over years usually responds best to a steady plan combined with home exercises, rather than a single visit.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
Not always. We perform a full exam first and take X-rays on-site if they are needed to guide care. If your symptoms suggest a nerve problem or anything more serious, we may recommend an MRI or refer you to a medical specialist. You are welcome to bring any prior imaging to your visit.
Will I eventually need surgery for degenerative disc disease?
Most people with degenerative disc disease never need surgery. Guidelines generally recommend conservative, non-drug care first for chronic low back pain. Surgery is usually reserved for severe nerve compression, progressive weakness or pain that fails to improve with a thorough course of conservative treatment.
What can I do at home to protect my discs?
Move often, since discs rely on motion for nutrition. Break up long periods of sitting, stay active with walking, keep a healthy weight and avoid smoking. Gentle core and hip exercises help support the spine, and we will give you a home program that matches your condition.
Can degenerative disc disease affect my neck?
Yes. Disc degeneration often affects the neck as well as the low back, sometimes causing neck stiffness, headaches or pain and tingling into the arm. Care for the neck uses gentle techniques and exercises suited to the cervical spine, and we adjust the plan to your comfort.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM
- Phone
- (901) 519-7777
Ready to Feel Better?
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Scientific References
- Adams MA et al., Spine. (2006). Review defining intervertebral disc degeneration and describing how age, genetics and mechanical loading contribute to it. PMID: 16915105.
- Brinjikji W et al., American Journal of Neuroradiology. (2015). Systematic review showing disc degeneration is common on imaging in people without back pain and increases with age. PMID: 25430861.
- Battie MC et al., Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. (2006). Review of lumbar disc degeneration epidemiology highlighting the strong influence of genetics. PMID: 16595435.
- Qaseem A et al., Annals of Internal Medicine. (2017). Clinical practice guideline recommending noninvasive, nonpharmacologic treatments first for chronic low back pain. PMID: 28192789.
- Rubinstein SM et al., BMJ. (2019). Systematic review of randomised trials reporting benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain. PMID: 30867144.
- Apfel CC et al., BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. (2010). Study associating non-surgical spinal decompression with restored disc height and reduced discogenic low back pain. PMID: 20615252.