When most people hear the word degeneration, they think of ageing. But spinal degeneration doesn’t just affect the elderly—it’s a slow-burning process that can begin as early as your 20s and quietly chip away at your quality of life if left unchecked.
At our Wellington chiropractic clinic, we see it all the time: clients who assumed their low energy, stiffness, or constant headaches were “just part of life,” only to discover that underlying joint dysfunction and spinal wear were quietly limiting their vitality.
🌪 What Is Spinal Degeneration?
Spinal degeneration refers to the gradual wear and tear of the structures in your spine—discs, joints, ligaments, and bones. The most common type is degenerative disc disease, where the intervertebral discs that cushion your spine lose hydration and flexibility over time. This can lead to reduced shock absorption, joint compression, nerve irritation, and chronic inflammation.
But here’s the twist: degeneration doesn’t happen overnight. It often starts subtly, progressing through four silent phases, which can take years to decades. Without symptoms at first, most people don’t notice it—until they’re suddenly dealing with pinched nerves, stiffness, or ongoing pain that doesn’t resolve on its own.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of Spinal Degeneration
You might not realise your spine is degenerating until your body starts waving red flags:
- Stiffness or a “grinding” feeling in the neck or back
- Chronic or recurring back pain that worsens with activity
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Loss of height or hunched posture
- Headaches, especially cervicogenic (originating from the neck)
- Fatigue and low energy levels due to nervous system interference
And these symptoms don’t just affect comfort—they affect life.
People with moderate to severe spinal degeneration often report reduced productivity, limited mobility, and lower life satisfaction. A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that spinal degeneration significantly impacts both mental and physical health scores—even more than hip or knee osteoarthritis .
🧠 How It Affects Your Life
When the spine degenerates, it’s not just your back that suffers.
Your spine protects the nervous system—the master controller of every organ, muscle and tissue in your body. When spinal movement becomes restricted or inflamed, it can irritate nerves, alter posture, and reduce your ability to move well, sleep deeply, and focus mentally.
It becomes harder to keep up with your workouts. Sitting through work feels exhausting. Even holding your kids or playing sports becomes more of a chore than a joy.
And here in active, outdoors-loving Wellington, we know how vital freedom of movement is to living fully.
🛡️ Prevention: Start Before the Pain
The best way to deal with spinal degeneration? Don’t wait for pain to take control.
Degeneration may be progressive, but there’s good news: it can often be slowed, stabilised, or even partially reversed with the right lifestyle and proactive care.
Here’s how to protect your spine:
- Get regular spinal check-ups: Early signs of joint dysfunction can be identified before major symptoms occur.
- Stay active (but smart): Movement nourishes your discs and joints—but proper technique and mobility-focused training matter.
- Hydrate + nourish: Your spinal discs need water and nutrients to thrive—drink up and eat anti-inflammatory foods.
- Mind your posture: Poor posture at work, during sleep, or at the gym accelerates wear. An ergonomic setup and movement awareness go a long way.
- Chiropractic care: By restoring motion in spinal joints, chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on nerves, improve posture, and may enhance disc hydration and nutrient delivery .
🌀 Try This at Home: Wall Angels for Postural Strength & Spinal Mobility
Perfect for: Mid-back (thoracic) mobility and shoulder posture.
This simple movement helps counteract the slouched-forward posture that often contributes to spinal degeneration—especially for office workers or anyone glued to a screen.
How to do it:
- Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 10–15cm away.
- Keep your lower back, upper back, and head touching the wall.
- Raise your arms to form a “goal post” shape—elbows at shoulder height, fingers pointing up.
- Slowly slide your arms upward as if making a snow angel—without letting them leave the wall.
- Lower them back down, keeping contact with the wall throughout.
- Repeat slowly for 10–15 reps.
This activates the postural muscles that support your spine, strengthens shoulder stabilisers, and improves thoracic extension—all critical for preventing and slowing spinal degeneration.
✨ How We Help at Limitless Chiropractic
At our Wellington chiropractic clinic, we’re not here to just crack and go. We assess where your spine is at—from posture to joint mobility to nervous system function—and tailor a plan that supports longevity, not just temporary relief.
Whether you’re a young professional, weekend warrior, or active parent, spinal health is your foundation for everything you love doing.
And the best part? It’s never too early—or too late—to start.
References:
- Takatalo J, et al. “Disc degeneration and functional disability: a cross-sectional study of young adults.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2011.
- Bolton JE, et al. “Spinal manipulation: current perspectives and evidence-informed practice.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2015.
Experience Limitless Movement Chiropractic Care in Wellington
If you’re in Wellington and looking for expert chiropractic care, we’re here to help. At Limitless Chiropractic, we focus on helping you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more mobile you!
Ready to begin or continue your healing journey? Let’s work together to unlock your body’s natural potential for wellness.
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or call us at (04) 891 0911