Everything You Need To Know About Degenerative Disc Disease

Physical Therapy And Strength Training

Physical therapy and strength training are typically critical parts of treatment for degenerative disc disease. As an individual becomes older and degenerative disc disease develops, the muscles that help support the spine can become weakened over time. Physical therapy and strength training focus on strengthening the core, back, and neck muscles responsible for stabilizing and supporting the spine. Physical therapy may use methods of spinal traction where the therapist stretches the patient's back to relieve any compression on the nerves that exit the spinal canal through the foramen. This method involves the readjustment of the vertebrae to make the foramen canal wider. The therapist also teaches the patient numerous different exercises that help with core stability, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Some of these exercises are able to be done at home away from physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy and strength training are very individualized programs, so the methods used for one patient with degenerative disc disease may not be suitable for another patient.