Physical Therapy and Degenerative Disk Disease

November 7th, 2014

Physical therapy helps treat the underlying factors such as the instability of the intervertebral joints and the associated inflammation. Your physician may recommend prescription medication to provide relief. Once the pain is reduced, specific exercises and specialized physical therapy techniques are utilized to achieve lasting relief.

Treatment falls into one of the following three categories:

Medical

• Pain control with acetaminophen, prescription medications, narcotics, etc.

Surgical (if required)

• Fusion of the discs
• Replacement of the damaged disc with an artificial disc

Conservative (Physical therapy)

• Exercise: Progressive controlled exercises under supervision. These include stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobics.
• Lifestyle modification: Improved posture and movement patterns reduce stress on the spine. Ergonomically designed chairs can also relieve pressure on the spine.
• Self-care including weight management, treatment of depression, etc.

A Stronger Spine

Prevention Tips:

Poor posture, especially in a sitting position, can cause bone and joint issues over time. If your job is sedentary it is important to:

Perform stretching exercises at regular intervals.

Adjust the height of your desk chair and computer to minimize strain on your neck and lower back. (Come to our office for an    evaluation and we will identify the most appropriate height for you).

Invest in footwear to reduce stress on the lower back

Call our office without delay if you are at risk of developing DDD. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with DDD, a physical therapy program, combined with traditional medicine, is critical for recovery.

If you suffer from degenerative disk disease please call any of our three locations or book an appointment online!