Conditions We Treat
Degenerative Disc Disease
Worsened
pain when you lift, twist or bend?
Pain
Which comes and goes and can be nagging or severe?
Decreased
pain when you move around or walk?
If ‘yes’ then you may have degenerative disc disease, a common condition of the back
Isolated Back Strengthening
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Although referred to as such, this condition isn’t actually a disease.
It in fact refers to the normal changes which take place in your spine as a result of the ageing process. As we get older, our discs start to show signs of wear and tear, breaking down, thinning and not working as well.
Although it happens to nearly everyone (at least 30% of people aged 30-50 experience degeneration), it is not painful for everybody.
The discs are mainly made up of water. As we age, they can dry out and get thinner, this means that with reduced cushioning in between the bones, your spine is less shock-absorbent which can lead to pain and problems in your spine.
Thinning of the discs also increases the risk of small tears developing in the outer shell, and the inner jelly leaking out. As time goes on and discs wear down, the bones of the vertebrae may also start to grind against each other.
This can cause bone spurs to form which in turn pinch or irritate the nerves in the spine.
Symptoms can include:
- A Sharp or constant pain in your back and/or neck
- Pain in your low back, buttocks or thighs
- Pain which comes and goes
- Pain which feels worse when you sit down and better on activity
- Pain which gets worse when you bend, lift or twist
- Pain which gets better when you change positions or lie down
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
One of the most successful treatments for degenerative disc disease is a physical therapy programme. At Core Strength Studios, our back pain rehabilitation programmes use specialist strengthening and therapy to increase the strength of the muscles which support the spine, reducing pain and helping you continue everyday tasks without pain.
Your programme will also include exercises to support correct posture along with sports massage, stretching and flexibility work.
If you have degenerative disc disease and would like to speak to a specialist for an assessment and to discuss treatment options, we would like to invite you to a complimentary 60-minute consultation. To register, click here, complete the form and we’ll be in touch to make your booking.