What we treat Low back
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not actually a disease, but rather a natural condition where the discs between your vertebrae lose cushioning, fragment, and/or herniate due to age or injury. These discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, and their wear and tear can lead to significant discomfort and reduced mobility in the neck or lower back.
As the discs dehydrate and thin, the space between the vertebrae narrows, which can result in bone-on-bone friction or impingement of nearby nerves. This process often manifests as localized pain that may worsen with sitting, lifting, or twisting, though it can vary greatly from person to person depending on the severity of the degeneration.
Understanding the anatomy of your spine is the first step toward effective management. While the name sounds daunting, physical therapy offers powerful tools to strengthen the supporting musculature, improve spinal alignment, and significantly reduce the symptoms associated with disc wear, helping you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Common Symptoms
Persistent discomfort or aching specifically centered in the cervical or lumbar regions of the spine.
Noticeable reduction in flexibility, especially after waking or periods of prolonged inactivity.
Occasional numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends into the extremities due to nerve compression.
How We Treat It with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and strengthening the supporting structures of the spine. Our clinical approach integrates advanced manual therapy techniques with personalized patient education to restore functional movement and enhance your quality of life. We utilize evidence-based methodologies such as spinal mobilization, soft tissue release, and targeted muscle activation to address the root mechanical causes of your symptoms, ensuring a path toward lasting recovery and long-term spinal health.
Recovery Exercises
Gentle movements to engage your core and improve lower back mobility.
TA contraction - Gently engage your core by drawing your belly button downward or gently exhaling as if you were blowing out a candle. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
Knee to chest - Lie on your back and pull one knee towards your chest until you feel a gentle stretch in the low back.
Cat/cow - In hands-and-knees position, slowly arch and then round your back to improve gentle spinal mobility.
Bird dogs - Extend your opposite arm and leg simultaneously while keeping your hips level to build functional stability.
Tell us what you want to return to?
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If it sounds like what you have, an evaluation is where we find out properly.