The phrase “degenerative disc disease” sounds alarming, but it is far more common and far more manageable than the name suggests. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC has helped many patients across Coral Springs and Parkland understand this condition and manage it without surgery. This practical guide explains what degenerative disc disease really is, why discs change over time, what flare-ups feel like, and how conservative care and movement keep you comfortable and active.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

Is Degenerative Disc Disease Really a Disease?

Not exactly. Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease in the traditional sense but rather a description of the natural changes that discs undergo as we age. Almost everyone develops some disc wear over time, and many people with these changes have no pain at all.

The term simply refers to discs that have lost some of their height, hydration, or cushioning ability. When these changes irritate nearby nerves or joints, symptoms can appear, but the changes themselves are a normal part of aging.

Why Discs Dry Out Over Time

The discs between your vertebrae are mostly water in youth, which gives them their springy, shock-absorbing quality. As the years pass, discs gradually lose water content and become thinner and less flexible. This drying out reduces their ability to cushion the spine, which can lead to stiffness and, in some cases, pain. Genetics, repetitive stress, past injuries, and lifestyle factors all influence how quickly this happens.

Common Symptoms

Degenerative disc disease affects people differently. Some feel nothing, while others experience pain that comes and goes. Recognizing the pattern helps with management.

• Low back or neck pain that varies from day to day
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
• Relief with walking or changing positions frequently
• Occasional radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into a limb
• Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity

Understanding Flare-Ups

One of the most frustrating features of this condition is its unpredictability. Symptoms often come in flare-ups, periods of increased pain that may last days to weeks before settling back down. Flare-ups can be triggered by prolonged sitting, an awkward movement, heavy lifting, or simply doing too much too soon. The encouraging news is that flares are usually temporary, and the right strategies can shorten them and reduce how often they occur.

Conservative Management That Works

Because degenerative disc disease is a long-term condition, the goal is to manage symptoms, maintain function, and keep flare-ups at bay rather than to chase a single cure. Our approach to degenerative disc disease care is conservative and drug-free, built around your specific symptoms and activity goals. We combine hands-on care with movement-based strategies that support the spine over the long haul.

For patients with significant disc-related pain, non-surgical spinal decompression may help reduce pressure within the disc and ease nerve irritation. We also offer broader back pain treatment that includes chiropractic care, soft-tissue work, and targeted exercise to improve strength and mobility. Patients across Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Deerfield Beach appreciate that this approach helps them stay active without relying on medication or surgery.

The Crucial Role of Movement

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do for degenerative discs. Gentle, regular movement nourishes the discs, keeps joints mobile, and strengthens the muscles that support your spine.

• Walk regularly and avoid long periods of sitting
• Strengthen your core to support the spine
• Stretch gently to maintain flexibility
• Use proper lifting technique and pace yourself during chores
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal load

When to See Us in Coral Springs

If back or neck pain is interfering with your daily life, flaring frequently, or radiating into a limb, a professional evaluation can help you build an effective management plan. To schedule a visit with Dr. Cohen, use our contact page or call our Coral Springs office, which welcomes patients from Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, and nearby communities with same-day appointments and most major insurance accepted.