Degenerative Disc Disease & Spinal Arthritis: Pain, Function, and Nervous System Health in Indianapolis

If you’re experiencing low back, mid-back, or neck pain, stiffness, or discomfort during daily activities, degenerative changes in your spine may be the cause. Degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis are common conditions that can affect spinal alignment, mobility, and nervous system function. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on restoring function, reducing discomfort, and improving nervous system coordination to help you move more comfortably and safely."

What Degenerative Disc Disease & Spinal Arthritis Are

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Breakdown of intervertebral discs leading to pain, reduced disc height, and altered spinal mechanics

• Spinal Arthritis / Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in facet joints causing stiffness, inflammation, and restricted movement

Key Structures Involved:

• Intervertebral discs

• Facet joints and vertebrae

• Spinal ligaments

• Surrounding muscles (erector spinae, multifidus, deep core)

• Nervous system structures including spinal nerves

Neurological Implications

• Degeneration can irritate nerve roots, causing radiating pain, tingling, or numbness

• Altered spinal mechanics can overload paraspinal muscles, increasing discomfort

• Nervous system involvement affects proprioception and coordination

• Neuroplasticity allows retraining of movement patterns and postural control

How It Happens – Causes

• Age-related wear and tear on discs and joints

• Repetitive stress or overuse

• Trauma or injury

• Poor posture and muscular imbalances

• Genetic predisposition

How Chiropractic Care Helps

• Spinal Adjustments / Mobilizations: Restore joint function and reduce irritation

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Reduce tension in surrounding muscles

• Strengthening Weak Stabilizers: Core and spinal muscles for support

• FMSA Integration: Identify compensatory patterns and root causes

• Pain Reduction & Function Improvement: Reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and prevent progression

Rehabilitation & Functional Support

Mobility Exercises

• Cat-Cow / Thoracic / Lumbar rotations

• Gentle spinal flexion and extension stretches

• Hip and shoulder mobility work

Stability & Strengthening

• Bird Dog, Dead Bug

• Glute Bridges for pelvic support

• Side Planks for lateral stability

Neuroplasticity & Movement Retraining

• Posture awareness drills

• Mirror or video feedback

• Controlled, gradual range of motion exercises

At-Home Support / Modalities

• Ice or heat for discomfort

• Foam rolling paraspinals, glutes, and hamstrings

• Ergonomic adjustments at home or work

Recovery Time & Risk

• Mild DDD / arthritis: 2–6 weeks with exercises and adjustments

• Moderate to chronic: ongoing management to maintain function and reduce pain

• Early chiropractic care and FMSA-guided rehab improves mobility, nervous system function, and quality of life

"If you’re dealing with spinal stiffness, pain, or degenerative changes, chiropractic care can help. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we use Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) to identify imbalances, strengthen stabilizers, and retrain your nervous system. Schedule a consultation today to restore spinal function, reduce discomfort, and improve daily mobility."