Chiropractor Vero Beach, Fl.- Degenerative disc disease is common diagnosis people get as they age. Our spinal vertebrae are separated by spacers called intervertebral discs. These discs are circular in shape and flat on the top and bottom that connects to the vertebrae above and below. They are pliable which allows us to move, bend and twist and are shaped like a jelly donut. They have a hard exterior with jelly inside at the center. As we get older the disc’s jelly inside starts to dry out and they become shorter from top to bottom. This is called degenerative disc disease. This will also make the hole where the nerve exits the spinal canal get smaller in shape. This can put pressure on the nerve and cause pain. Chiropractic manipulation can help restore motion to the areas which in turn will increase a process called imbibition. Imbibition is the process where movement of the vertebrae will help push water in and out of the spinal discs helping restore some of the hydration of the discs. Restoring the water content of the jelly inside the disc can make the hole where the nerve exits get bigger. This can reduce the pressure on the nerve which can reduce pain. Dr. Thomas Harmody is a chiropractor at Vero Walk-In Chiropractic