732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment
732- 494-5999
Book An Appointment

Degenerative Disc Disease: Active Movement

Health Plus PT

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) can cause back or neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty staying active. Despite its name, DDD is not always a progressive disease, and disc changes can occur naturally with age. Many active adults can continue exercising with the right movement strategies.

At Health Plus Physical Therapy in Edison, NJ, treatment focuses on improving strength, mobility, movement control, and confidence so you can stay active while managing symptoms. 

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when spinal discs change over time. These changes may include reduced disc hydration and flexibility.

Some people have disc degeneration without pain. Others may experience:

– Lower back or neck pain

– Stiffness

– Reduced mobility

– Pain with prolonged sitting

– Difficulty bending or lifting

– Reduced tolerance for exercise

Your symptoms and physical examination are more important than an imaging finding alone when determining treatment. 

Can You Stay Active With DDD?

Yes. Staying appropriately active can be an important part of managing symptoms.

Instead of completely avoiding movement, focus on gradually improving your:

– Core strength

– Hip strength

– Spinal mobility

– Balance

– Movement control

– Cardiovascular fitness

The right exercise program should be adjusted to your symptoms and activity goals. 

Movement Strategies for Active Adults

A physical therapist may recommend exercises such as:

Core Stabilization

Abdominal bracing, modified dead bugs, and other core exercises can help improve trunk control.

Hip Strengthening

Stronger hips can support efficient movement during walking, lifting, and exercise.

Mobility Exercises

Gentle mobility work can help maintain comfortable movement through the spine, hips, and surrounding joints.

Walking and Low-Impact Exercise

Walking, cycling, swimming, or other appropriate low-impact activities can help maintain overall fitness.

Functional Strength Training

Gradually returning to squats, hinges, lifting, and other functional movements can help active adults build confidence and strength. 

What Does "Regenerative Movement" Mean?

The term regenerative movement should not be interpreted as meaning that exercise can regrow or reverse a damaged spinal disc.

Instead, movement-based rehabilitation focuses on improving how your body moves and functions despite degenerative changes.

The goals may include:

– Improving strength

– Reducing movement-related symptoms

– Maintaining mobility

– Increasing exercise tolerance

– Improving daily function

– Supporting an active lifestyle

How Health Plus Physical Therapy Can Help

At Health Plus Physical Therapy, your program can be customized around your symptoms, physical findings, lifestyle, and goals.

Treatment may include:

– Therapeutic exercise

– Core strengthening

– Mobility training

– Manual therapy when appropriate

– Postural education

– Movement retraining

– Progressive strength training

– Home exercise guidance

Your exercises can be progressed gradually as your strength and tolerance improve. 

Start Your Recovery at HealthPlus Physical Therapy

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) does not automatically mean you need to stop exercising. With appropriate movement, progressive strengthening, and individualized guidance, many active adults can continue working toward their fitness and lifestyle goals.

At Health Plus Physical Therapy in Edison, NJ, personalized rehabilitation can help you improve mobility, strength, movement control, and exercise tolerance while managing symptoms.

– Schedule You Appointment with Health Plus Physical Therapy

– Contact us today to get started and book your appointment!

– Location: 2114 Oak Tree Rd, Edison, NJ 08820

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) occurs when the spinal discs change over time. Some people have disc changes without pain, while others may experience back or neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Yes. Appropriate exercise may help improve strength, mobility, movement control, and overall exercise tolerance. A physical therapist can recommend exercises based on your symptoms and goals.

Yes. Physical therapy may include core strengthening, mobility exercises, movement retraining, progressive strengthening, and education to help manage symptoms and improve function.

Not necessarily. Many people can remain active with appropriate modifications and gradual progression. Your physical therapist can help determine which activities are appropriate for you.

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