WHAT IS DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?
As discs lose their water content because of disease or age, they lose their height, bringing the vertebrae closer together. As a result, the nerve openings in your spine become more narrow. When this happens, the discs don’t absorb the shocks as well, particularly when you are walking, running, or jumping.
Bad posture, Wear and tear natural as well as due to injury, incorrect body movements definitely enhance degeneration of back joints as well as degeneration of disc that further worsen the situation
So many other factors that we do not know exactly cause disc degeneration
TREATMENT FOR DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE AT VIKALP PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC NOIDA
1. Short wave diathermy/hot pack/LASER/ULTRASOUND THERAPY/MANIPULATION/MOBILISATION
2. Spinal Decompression therapy : Chattanooga Clinic Traction provides clinically-proven pain treatment that gets to the root of Cervical and Lumbar Pain, allowing clinicians to mimic the feel and effectiveness of hands-on treatment using fully programmable patterns.
3. Back to Life : Continous passive motion for the back to relieves pressure from pinched nerves
4. Exercise Therapy : aimed at correcting the lower cross syndrome and spinal curvatures
5. Vitamin D ( the sunshine vitamin ) levels relate to back pain due to the role that vitamin D plays in bone health. Several studies have evaluated the relationship; however, much of these findings were conflicting.
vitamin d levels should not be very low , the minimum level should be above 20 for it have no effect on back pain or muscle pain in general says Dr Abhinav Tyagi at vikalp physiotherapy in noida.
6. Vitamin B12 :
Vitamin play very important role for nerve repair . Mostly vegetarian patients are deficient of B-12. This is water soluble vitamin if taken in excessively,it excreted out easily.Patient with long history of NSAID have symptom of B-12
It has no known side effects, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, compared to long-term NSAID use, which can damage the gastrointestinal system and possibly lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Degenerative Disc Disease Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing degenerative disc disease (DDD). While it's important to note that physiotherapy cannot cure DDD, it can help alleviate symptoms, improve function, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with this condition. The goals of physiotherapy for degenerative disc disease typically include pain management, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles, and promoting overall spine health. Here are some common physiotherapy treatments for degenerative disc disease:
- Education and Posture Training:
- Physiotherapists educate patients about the nature of degenerative disc disease, proper body mechanics, and the importance of maintaining a neutral spine position. This includes advice on sitting, standing, lifting, and other daily activities.
- Exercise Programs:
- Core Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the core muscles helps support the spine and can reduce the load on the discs. Examples include abdominal exercises, back extensions, and pelvic tilts.
- Flexibility Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Focus on stretching the hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower back muscles.
- Manual Therapy:
- Massage Therapy: Soft tissue massage can help relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
- Joint Mobilization: Gentle movements of the affected spinal joints can improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Aquatic Therapy:
- Exercising in a pool can reduce the impact on the spine while providing resistance for strengthening exercises. Aquatic therapy can be especially beneficial for individuals with DDD.
- Heat and Cold Therapy:
- Application of heat or cold can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Heat may help relax muscles, while cold can numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Electrotherapy:
- Modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used to provide pain relief.
- Activity Modification:
- Physiotherapists may suggest modifications to daily activities to minimize strain on the spine and reduce the risk of exacerbating symptoms.
- Weight Management:
- Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for individuals with degenerative disc disease, as excess weight can contribute to increased stress on the spine.