DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

Degenerative disc disease is a process of spinal dysfunction that can occur over time. It can involve varying degrees of dehydration and narrowing of vertebral discs, arthritis of the vertebral facet joints, and increased bone formation (called osteophytes). Degeneration is typically a slow process and therefore will often be, but not always, more severe in older adults.

Degeneration can occur as a result of many reasons for instance: car accidents, falls, or other physical trauma, poor posture and movement, or wear and tear from repetitive activities like sports. These can all place increased stress and force on spinal discs resulting in a breakdown of the disc’s structure. Our discs act as padding for the rest of the spine, any degeneration will make the disc less shock-absorbent, and therefore the spine becomes weaker. When this happens, there is reduced movement between each vertebra and this can cause stiffness in movement.

This depends on how much the spinal degeneration has progressed. However, the outlook is normally good and patients can benefit from a combination of our shockwave, decompression therapies, and/or laser therapies. Therapeutic choices are based upon completion of the examination process, during which we determine the severity of the degeneration and other contributing or complicating factors.

If degeneration is present it may worsen over time if left untreated. As the vertebral discs dehydrate and bulge it can lead to spinal or foraminal stenosis (affecting the spinal cord or nerve roots). These conditions can cause worsening pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling into the arms and legs. This may affect your ability to walk, stand, pick up objects or perform normally daily activities like getting dressed.

According to current medical research and understanding, spinal degeneration can not be cured. However, our forms of treatment can help with the pain it causes. Our therapies are also directed towards improving the alignment and strength of your spine, in an effort to slow the progress of degeneration.

Physical activity may be beneficial in improving your spinal health and condition. However, we typically only introduce exercises after an initial course of treatment has been completed. Our therapies help improve the function of the spine, such as movement, flexibility, and strength. Once your spine has stabilised and the pain has reduced, we then recommend beginning physical activity. The exercises we introduce are specific to improving your physical condition and continued stabilisation of your spine.