Degenerative Disc Disease Chiropractor in Loveland, CO
Hearing "degenerative disc disease" can sound scary. It's common, it's often part of getting older, and it doesn't have to decide what you can do.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help degenerative disc disease?
Chiropractic care helps many people with degenerative disc disease stay active and comfortable. It's a common part of getting older and doesn't have to decide what you can do. Keeping the spine moving and aligned takes stress off the discs and the nerves beside them, with gentle adjustments and exercises chosen for you.
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About This Service
What the Words Mean
Degenerative disc disease isn't really a disease. It describes discs that have lost some height and hydration over time, and it shows up on a lot of imaging reports for people over 40, including many who have no pain at all.
When it does hurt, how the spine is moving and being loaded matters a lot. That's what we look at. We can't regrow a disc, and I'll never tell you we can. We can work on the mechanics around it.
- Careful exam, including neurological testing
- Gentle, disc-appropriate techniques
- Chiropractic BioPhysics care aimed at spinal loading
- Core and posture work to support the spine
- Referral when your case needs a medical doctor
What We See Most
What People Come In With
Chronic Low Back Stiffness
A back that's stiff most mornings.
Neck Stiffness
Degenerative changes in the neck and trouble turning.
An Imaging Report
A report that says degeneration, and questions about what's next.
Pain with Sitting
Discomfort that builds with long drives or desk days.
Arm or Leg Symptoms
Tingling or pain travelling into a limb.
Staying Active
Wanting to keep hiking, golfing and gardening.
Our Approach
Honest Expectations
Care is gentle and built around your exam. It usually combines specific adjustments, work on how you sit, lift and move, and exercises that support the spine. Progress is about moving better and doing more, not about changing a picture of your disc.
Weakness that keeps getting worse, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or any change in bowel or bladder control needs emergency medical care right away.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Related Conditions We Care For
Research
What the Research Says
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
Imaging signs of disc degeneration are common in people without back pain, from 37% at age 20 to 96% at 80, so scan findings must be interpreted alongside symptoms.
Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 2015 · systematic review.
In 259 older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis, manual therapy with individualized exercise improved symptoms and function more than medical care or group exercise at 2 months, not 6 months.
Schneider MJ, Ammendolia C, Murphy DR, et al. Comparative Clinical Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Treatment Methods in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open, 2019 · RCT.
Among 112 low back pain patients receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation, outcomes were similar whether or not MRI showed Modic (vertebral endplate) changes.
Annen M, Peterson C, Humphreys BK. Comparison of Treatment Outcomes in Nonspecific Low-Back Pain Patients With and Without Modic Changes Who Receive Chiropractic Treatment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2018 · cohort.
Common Questions
Questions Patients Ask Us
Can a chiropractor help degenerative disc disease?
Chiropractic care may help with how the spine moves and is loaded, which often affects symptoms. It doesn't regrow a disc. An exam tells us whether it's a good fit.
Is degenerative disc disease serious?
It's very common and often part of normal aging. Many people with it have no pain. When it causes symptoms, those can often be improved with conservative care.
Is chiropractic care safe with disc degeneration?
Care is gentle and chosen for your spine after an exam, with low-force options available.
When is it an emergency?
Progressive weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Go to the emergency room.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Book Your Degenerative Disc Evaluation
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patient Special — $59
$315 value
- Consultation with the Doctor
- Orthopedic and Neurological Exam
- Specialized Report of Findings
Terms of This Offer
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.