Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Arlington Heights, IL

Overview

Degenerative disc disease is the gradual wear of the spinal discs that happens to most people as they age. Importantly, the amount of degeneration on imaging often does not match the amount of pain — which means there is a lot we can do to help you feel and move better.

Degeneration is not a life sentence

Many people with disc degeneration have little or no pain. When symptoms do occur — often as back pain or related disc issues — improving motion and strength usually makes a meaningful difference.

Keeping a degenerating spine healthy

Our corrective care and rehabilitation restore healthy motion and build the support that keeps an aging spine comfortable and functional.

Recognize It

What it feels like — and why it happens.

Common symptoms

Stiffness, especially in the morning
Aching back or neck pain
Pain worse with sitting or bending
Good days and flare-up days
Reduced flexibility
Occasional radiating symptoms

Common causes

Natural age-related disc wear
Repetitive strain over the years
Poor posture and weak core
Prior spinal injuries
Sedentary lifestyle
Genetic factors

Know The Signs

Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.

Risk factors

Aging and natural disc wear
Sedentary lifestyle and weak core
Repetitive bending or lifting
Poor posture
Smoking, which reduces disc nutrition
Excess body weight

When to seek care

Back or neck stiffness most mornings
Pain worse with sitting or bending
Frequent flare-ups
Reduced flexibility affecting daily life
Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling
Weakness in an arm or leg (seek prompt care)

Our Approach

From problem to outcome.

A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.

Step 1 — The Problem

The Problem

As discs lose hydration and height with age, the spine can become stiff and irritable. Symptoms relate more to motion and support than to the degree of degeneration itself.

Step 2 — How We Evaluate

How We Evaluate

We assess spinal motion, strength, and posture to understand how the degeneration is affecting you specifically, rather than relying on imaging alone.

Step 3 — How We Treat It

How We Treat It

Care restores healthy joint motion and rebuilds supporting strength with adjustments and rehabilitation, while avoiding aggravating loads.

Step 4 — Expected Outcome

Expected Outcome

Most patients improve their comfort, mobility, and function, and learn how to keep their spine healthy as they age.

Recovery Timeline

What progress looks like.

Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.

Relief

Calm symptoms and restore motion.

Rebuild

Strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

Reinforce

Maintenance to keep the spine healthy.

Questions, Answered

Questions about degenerative disc disease

For most people it is a normal, manageable part of aging rather than a serious disease. The degree of degeneration often does not match symptoms, and conservative care commonly improves comfort and function.

Yes. By restoring healthy motion and building supporting strength, chiropractic care and rehabilitation help many patients reduce pain and stay active despite disc degeneration.

Most people with disc degeneration never need surgery. Conservative care is the first-line approach, and we refer out only if specific findings warrant a surgical evaluation.

Keep Exploring

Connected care, connected answers.

Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.

Free Downloads

Keep learning at home.

Free guides from Dr. Drew related to degenerative disc disease — yours to download and keep.

Spinal Degeneration The phases of spinal degeneration, how it develops silently over years, and what can be done at each stage. Download PDF Disc Problems Bulging, herniated, degenerating — understand what's happening inside a problem disc and the non-surgical options. Download PDF

Browse all free patient resources

Real Results

Real stories from Forza patients.

Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.

“I've had an outstanding experience with Dr. Drew at Forza Chiropractic. He is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely takes the time to listen and provide personalized care. Every visit leaves me feeling better, and I appreciate how thorough he is in explaining my treatment and answering my questions. His staff is equally great, welcoming, and incredibly organized. They make every appointment smooth and stress-free while ensuring every detail is handled with care. If you're looking for a chiropractor who truly cares about his patients and has an amazing team supporting him, I highly recommend Dr. Drew and everyone at Forza Chiropractic!”

Jimmy Mitchell
Google review

“Dr. Drew Voelsch is an exceptional chiropractor. He is incredibly thorough, highly knowledgeable, and always on top of every detail regarding patient care. As a physician myself, I truly appreciate his professionalism, clinical expertise, and dedication to his patients. He is also extremely empathetic, has an excellent bedside manner, and communicates clearly and effectively. It is very evident that he genuinely cares about his patients and takes the time to make them feel heard and comfortable. I highly recommend Dr. Voelsch to anyone looking for a compassionate, skilled, and trustworthy chiropractor!”

Mavin Wound
Google review

“The compassion, warmth, and thoughtfulness that Forza Chiropractic shows through their service went far above and beyond my expectations. The energy in the office is so uplifting and made me feel comfortable right away. I want to personally shout out Dr. Drew Voelsch for bringing me hope for positive change to my body and working with me to not only diagnose the issues, but also educate and prepare a customized treatment plan for me! He really made sure I understood my body well and was patient with me when I had any questions to ask. He had a response for everything and more, which supports the good work being done at Forza Chiropractic. My important takeaway when researching chiropractors in the area was finding someone who I could trust my life with and I feel like I could that with Dr. Drew in a heartbeat. Shoutout to Noe as well for going through the administrative process with me and patiently answering all of my questions! She makes sure you are well taken care of and probably the best office manager I've interacted with. I finished my 2-day consultation and can't wait to go through this restoration journey. Thank you for everything Forza family!”

Philip Song
Google review

“Forza is one of the best chiropractic offices I've ever been to. Dr Drew and the team set you up with the tools both in office and at home to help you function your best. It's starts with going over x-rays and continues with check-ins and updates to your therapies based on where you are. Excited to continue life without migraines!”

Lisa Parrilli
Google review

“Dr. Drew is absolutely outstanding! I came in with persistent neck issues that were affecting not only my day-to-day life but also keeping me off the golf course. From the very first visit, he took the time to understand my concerns and created a personalized treatment plan that truly made a difference. His expertise and attention to detail really stand out. Every adjustment felt purposeful, and he always took the time to explain what he was doing and why. Thanks to his care, my neck pain has improved significantly, and I’m finally back out on the golf course enjoying the game again. If you’re dealing with pain or looking for a chiropractor who genuinely cares about helping you get back to doing what you love, I can’t recommend Dr. Drew enough!”