Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition describing spinal discs becoming narrow, arthritic or shrinking due to time or injury. Due to this degeneration, the discs begin to lose some of its cushion and shock absorption capabilities. Fluid can also be lost, causing the discs to stiffen and become less mobile, allowing for less stress on the ligaments. In order to combat this degeneration, it is imperative to perform conservative treatments, such as the low-impact exercises described in the following article.

Benefits of degenerative disc disease treatment exercises

After receiving a diagnosis of this debilitating condition, your doctor may recommend a course of conservative exercises as a form of degenerative disc disease treatment.

The benefits of performing these low-impact exercises include:

1. Strengthening your spine through yoga or Pilates to help to ease stress, support your spine and reinforce the ability to stay in an upright position
2. Increasing circulation by walking, swimming or bicycling to help pump nutrients into the damaged areas of the spine and drain toxins out of the body
3. Reducing stiffness to increase range of motion and improve spinal flexibility, which reduces the chance of further spinal degeneration

It is also recommended to refrain from contact sports like football and hockey as well as heavy lifting as to not worsen your condition.

Minimally invasive degenerative disc disease treatment options

If you are not experiencing relief after attempting conservative exercises for several weeks or months as well as other nonsurgical therapies like pain medication, physical therapy and chiropractic care, then surgical intervention may become an option. If this is the case for you, contact USA Spine Care to learn about how our minimally invasive degenerative disc treatment can help you find lasting relief.

Our procedures are a safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery.^ The surgeons at USA Spine Care perform our outpatient procedures using a small incision and muscle-sparing techniques in order to remove a portion of the damaged disc and alleviate your degenerative disc disease symptoms.

Since 2005, our minimally invasive spine surgery has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck or back pain. To find out if you are a potential candidate for our degenerative disc disease treatment, reach out to our dedicated team today and ask for a no-cost MRI review.* We are here to help get you back to the activities you love.

Browse Related Resources