Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease – Insights from Southgate Physio

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine and can cause significant pain and discomfort. At Southgate Physio, we are aware of the various effects DDD can have on people’s everyday lives, ranging from diminished quality of life to limited mobility. We’ll discuss degenerative disc disease in this blog post, including its causes, signs, and methods for managing it with physiotherapy.

How Does Degenerative Disc Disease Occur?

The progressive degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the spine, which is frequently brought on by ageing, trauma, or wear and strain, is known as degenerative disc disease. Upon losing their capacity to cushion and absorb shock, the discs may become less flexible, thinner, and more vulnerable to damage. Depending on the degree of disc degeneration and the existence of additional spinal disorders, this may result in symptoms such as back pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility that can range in severity.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease, including:

• Ageing: The intervertebral discs’ structure and content alter as a result of normal ageing, increasing their susceptibility to deterioration over time.
• Genetics: Due to the potential impact of specific genetic variations on the integrity and function of the spinal discs, individuals may be predisposed to degenerative disc disease.
• Trauma or Injury: Past spine trauma, such as vertebral fractures or ruptured discs, can quicken the degenerative process and raise the chance of developing DDD.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, bad posture, sedentary lifestyles, and disc degeneration can all raise the risk of developing degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease symptoms can differ greatly from person to person and may include:

• Persistent low back discomfort that gets worse when you move or sit still stiffness and decreased spine suppleness
• Radiating leg, thigh, or buttock discomfort or numbness (if the degenerative disc compresses adjacent nerves)
• Leg muscles weakening or, in extreme situations, loss of feeling

Managing Degenerative Disc Disease with Physiotherapy

At Southgate Physio, we treat degenerative disc disease with an emphasis on reducing pain, increasing range of motion, and strengthening the spine in general. Our physiotherapy management strategies may include:

• Pain Management Techniques: Manual treatment, including massage therapy, joint mobilisations, and soft tissue mobilisation, can assist ease pain and ease tense muscles in the affected area.
• Exercise Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise regimens aim to improve posture, boost flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. This could involve low-impact aerobic exercises, stretches, and core stabilisation exercises.
• Postural Education: Learning about ergonomics and good body mechanics can help people develop good posture habits that will lessen strain on their spines and stop future deterioration.
• Lifestyle Changes: Recommendations for making changes to one’s diet, exercise routine, and smoking status can help maintain good spine health and delay the onset of degenerative disc disease.

In summary, degenerative disc disease can have a major negative influence on a person’s quality of life, but with the appropriate management techniques, symptoms can be relieved and spinal health can be improved. Our skilled group of physiotherapists at Southgate Physio is committed to offering people with degenerative disc disease all-encompassing care and assistance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re having DDD symptoms so we can provide you with specialised advice and treatment.

If you want to know more, feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0208 3686767 or emailing us at info@southgatephysio.co.uk

Physiotherapy Services We Offer

Our clinic offers a wide range of treatments that are all recommended and tailored to everyone who comes and visits us. Our range of treatments complements the body and mind, helping to keep you pain and injury-free, delivering preventative measures to maintain your well-being and enhance your performance levels.

Our main aim is to restore your personal well-being so you can enjoy an active, healthy, and pain-free life. Click on any of the services to find out a little more about each treatment and understand if it might be right for you.

• Home Visit Physiotherapy
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation
• Musculoskeletal Injuries Treatment
• Pain Management
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Shockwave Therapy
• Theraflex
• Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation
• Elderly Rehabilitation
• Sports Massage
• Online Video Consultation
• Sports Physiotherapy