Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 1/31/2009

Question
My father is 83 years old and has been having pain in his lower right side under his ribs and lower back.  He wanted to go see a chiropractor; however the insurance company wanted him to get an x-ray first, so he did.  They just came back and said that he has a degenatrive (sp?) disc disease and when I researched this on line, it sounds like it's more common than not.  They denied him to see a chiroprator as they said that would not help; however from what I have been reading it sounds like it could help or they could show him what types of exercise's he should be doing.  Can you please give me your professional opinion on if he should see a chiropractor.

Sincerely,  Liz Carmichael

Answer
Liz,

If my previous response to your question was not sent, I apologize for the technical error. I am re-submitting a response to your question.

Degenerative disc disease is common, especially in the elderly, but disc-related pain typically does not refer the ribs, so your father should consult with his primary care physician to make sure that he is not experiencing a medical problem masquerading as a musculoskeletal problem.

Given your father's age, thrust manipulations would not be recommended, due to the concern of osteoporosis. However, chiropractors may use a variety of soft-tissue and low-force manipulative techniques safely in persons with fragile bones. One technique that is often helpful in dealing with disc-related pain is called flexion-distraction, which is a form of intermittent traction used to mobilize the spinal joints and decompress discs.

I hope that this answers your question.