Degenerative Disc Disease

Not in the way the name suggests. It's a descriptive term for age-related changes in the discs of the spine, and those changes are extremely common. Studies of people with no back pain at all routinely find the same changes on their scans. So a finding on a report isn't automatically the explanation for how you feel, and sorting that out takes an exam and a conversation rather than a scan alone.

No. Nothing does, and any provider who tells you otherwise is overselling. What care can be directed at is different: your comfort, the movement available in the joints around the area, the muscle tightness that builds up, and how well you manage everyday activity. Those are worthwhile goals, and they're the honest ones.

It's adapted to you, and for long-standing disc changes it's usually on the gentle end. There are low-force and instrument-assisted options if a firmer technique isn't right or simply isn't something you want. Everything is explained before it happens, and you can ask us to stop or change approach at any point in the visit. Nobody here is going to surprise you.

We go through your history, including anything you've already had looked at, then check how your back moves, which positions bother you and which help, and how you sit, lift, and sleep. You get a plain explanation of what was found and what care would involve before anything is decided. Plan on about 45 minutes, and wear something you can move in comfortably.

Usually not, though what you do and how you do it may need to change. Staying active generally serves a back better than avoiding movement. Specific loads, like heavy repeated bending, may need adjusting. We'll give you guidance based on what we actually see rather than a blanket rule, and we'll change it as things change for you.

That's your call, and we'll be straight with you about it. Care is usually more frequent while things are flared up and eases off as they settle. Some people with long-standing disc changes choose to come in periodically to stay ahead of flares. Others come back only when they need to. Neither is required, and we'd rather you understand the choice than sign up by default.

The first one runs about 45 minutes, because that's where the conversation and the exam happen. Follow-up visits are much shorter, usually 15 to 20 minutes, and most people fit them around a work day. We're open mornings and afternoons Monday through Thursday and mornings on Friday, so call and we'll find the slot that works.

No referral is needed in Texas. You can book online or call (512) 255-1777. We accept most major health insurance plans and also take cash, check, and major credit cards. Coverage varies by plan, so call before your visit and we'll look at yours with you rather than leaving you to find out at the desk.

3407 Wells Branch Pkwy, Suite 625, in Wells Branch, North Austin, with parking right at the door. We see people from across North Austin, Wells Branch, and Pflugerville, and the Chicoine family has practiced in this part of town since 1989. There's one office, this one. Rosamaria on our team speaks fluent Spanish.