From the Blog

Disc Degeneration in St. Paul

Disc Degeneration in St. PaulLiving with back pain can be challenging, especially for active Minnesotans who love outdoor activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Disc degeneration is a common condition that affects many individuals, causing discomfort and potentially limiting your daily activities. At St. Paul Chiropractic, we’re committed to helping you understand and manage this condition effectively.

What is Disc Degeneration?

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging that affects the soft, cushioning discs between your vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, allowing flexibility and movement. Over time, these discs can become less flexible, thinner, and more prone to damage. While it’s a normal part of aging, several factors can accelerate the process, including:

• Repetitive physical stress from work or sports
• Lack of regular exercise
• Poor posture
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking
• Obesity

How Does Disc Degeneration Affect Minnesotans?

Our harsh Minnesota winters and active lifestyle can put additional strain on your spine. Whether you’re shoveling snow, skiing, or working a physically demanding job, the impact on your spine can be significant. Many St. Paul residents experience disc degeneration without realizing it, often mistaking the symptoms for simple muscle strain or normal aging.

Recognizing the Signs of Disc Degeneration

The symptoms of disc degeneration can vary, but commonly include:

• Persistent lower back pain
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain that worsens with sitting or bending
• Radiating pain to the buttocks or legs
• Weakness or tingling in the legs
Chiropractic Care: A Natural Approach to Management

At St. Paul Chiropractic, we offer a holistic approach to managing disc degeneration. Our treatments focus on:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Improving spinal mobility
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Providing personalized lifestyle recommendations

While disc degeneration is a natural process, there are several ways to slow its progression and manage symptoms:

1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Stay physically active with low-impact exercises
3. Practice good posture
4. Use proper lifting techniques
5. Stay hydrated
6. Quit smoking

Our experienced chiropractors understand the unique challenges faced by Minnesota residents. We provide personalized care that goes beyond temporary relief, focusing on long-term spinal health and overall wellness. Using advanced diagnostic techniques and gentle, effective treatments, we help you maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Your Path to Better Spinal Health

Don’t let disc degeneration hold you back from enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful landscapes and active lifestyle. Our team at St. Paul Chiropractic is dedicated to helping you understand your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

If you’re experiencing back pain or suspect you might be dealing with disc degeneration, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards improved spinal health and overall well-being. Your journey to a pain-free life starts here in St. Paul.

Call us now or book online – your spine will thank you!

Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans, including HSA/HFA funds, and verify your coverage before your first visit at no cost; just bring your insurance card. We also coordinate with your primary care provider to ensure seamless care.

Hours

By appointment only

Monday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Tuesday : By appointment
Wednesday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Thursday: 12pm – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 1pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Patient Testimonial

Request an Appointment

Emily Catton

Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist

Emily serves as the Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her exceptional patient care and clinical expertise have made her an invaluable member of our team since August 2017. As our most senior team member, Emily exemplifies the practice’s commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care.

Professional Background

Emily brings a strong academic foundation to her role, having graduated from Winona State University in 2017 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Movement Science and Psychology. This interdisciplinary education uniquely positions her to understand both the physical and psychological aspects of patient rehabilitation, allowing her to deliver care that addresses the whole person.

Since joining our team, Emily has become an expert in our proprietary treatment protocols. Her advanced training includes certification as a registered Limited Scope X-ray operator, providing her with detailed knowledge of spinal anatomy and pathology that enhances her rehabilitation work.

Olivia

Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist

Olivia brings Southern warmth and exceptional expertise to St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where she has been an indispensable team member since 2018. Originally from Georgia, Olivia made Minnesota her home in 2010, establishing roots in East St. Paul and graduating from Johnson Senior High School before pursuing her passion for healing at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

With over a decade of experience in therapeutic bodywork, Olivia’s journey began as a certified massage therapist in 2016, quickly distinguishing herself through her remarkable ability to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions. Her skills and commitment to patient care gained Dr. Chris’s notice, resulting in a lasting professional partnership.

In January 2024, Olivia’s role evolved to Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist, where she skillfully applies Extra-Corporal Shock Wave Therapy to address knee pain, shoulder injuries, and various soft tissue conditions. Her extensive background in massage therapy provides her with an intuitive understanding of the body’s mechanics, allowing her to achieve exceptional results with SoftWave technology.

Olivia is also a key practitioner in our proprietary Spinal Rehabilitation Therapy (S.R.T.) program, working seamlessly alongside Emily to create a therapeutic environment that promotes optimal healing and recovery. Together, they form the backbone of our patient care team, establishing an atmosphere of comfort, trust, and clinical excellence that patients consistently praise.

What truly sets Olivia apart is her genuine compassion and unwavering reliability. She greets every patient with a warm smile, approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, and consistently demonstrates the perfect balance of technical skill and heartfelt care. Her humble nature belies her exceptional abilities, making her therapeutic presence all the more powerful.

Outside the clinic, Olivia embraces life’s simple joys with her 7-year-old daughter and spouse. She finds renewal through camping adventures, expresses her creativity through drawing, delights in culinary exploration, and soaks up Minnesota’s precious sunshine whenever possible.

We consider ourselves truly blessed to have Olivia as part of our healing community at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her dedication continues to transform lives daily.

Molly

Office Manager

With over two decades of dedicated patient care experience, Molly brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role as Office Manager at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center.

After graduating from Century College’s Dental Assistant program in 2004, Molly built an impressive career as a Licensed Dental Assistant, developing exceptional skills in patient communication and healthcare administration.

Guided by her personal commitment to holistic wellness, Molly made a transformative career shift in Summer 2023 to align her professional path with her passion for natural health. She earned prestigious certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist—qualifications that provide her with unique insights into the comprehensive care our patients receive.

“What I value most about St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center is our team’s dedication to treating the whole person, not just symptoms,” Molly shares. “Seeing patients progress from pain to wellness is incredibly rewarding.”

As Office Manager, Molly expertly coordinates patient care while ensuring our practice runs smoothly. Her understanding of both administrative excellence and natural healing principles makes her an invaluable bridge between our clinical team and patients.

When not welcoming patients with her warm smile, Molly embraces life as a devoted mother to three daughters. Her personal wellness journey includes strength training and fitness activities—often making these family affairs. An avid home chef, she experiments with nutritious recipes and occasional treats, believing that balance is essential to well-being. In quieter moments, she finds inspiration through reading and creative writing, nurturing her lifelong love of storytelling. Molly’s adventurous spirit also drives her passion for travel and exploring new cultures.

Her philosophy perfectly complements our center’s mission: “True health comes from understanding the body’s natural healing abilities and supporting them through proper care, nutrition, and mindful living.”