How to Heal From Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a progressive condition that is a normal part of aging. The intervertebral discs dry out and become less flexible over time which can cause pain and stiffness in the back. Exercise and physical therapy are generally the most effective methods of healing the damage from DDD. The lower back and neck are the areas of the spine that DDD most commonly affects.

Things You'll Need

• Back brace
• Cervical pillows
• Cervical collar

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Instructions

• 1

  Perform exercises for your back. You may be able to heal DDD in your lower back with a combination of stretching, low-impact aerobics, and resistance training.

• 2

  Relieve neck compression with specific exercises. Stretch the back of your neck by touching your chin to your chest, and stretch the front of your neck by tilting your head up. Bend your neck towards both of your shoulders to stretch the side of your neck. These exercises are intended to increase the space between the cervical discs which can slow the progression of cervical DDD.

• 3

  Improve the range of motion in your spine with physical therapy. A chiropractor can provide a therapeutic massage to your lower back which can restore blood flow to the affected area. Manipulation of your neck and shoulders can increase the intervertebral spaces in your neck. Additional physical therapy techniques for DDD include the use of acupuncture and heating pads.

• 4

  Wear a back brace for your lower back. A back brace in combination with strengthening exercises can allow your back to recover from an episode of acute pain due to DDD. However, it should only be used temporarily as your back muscles can atrophy if you use a back brace for a prolonged period.

• 5

  Use cervical devices that improve the alignment of your cervical discs. Cervical pillows, cervical collarsm and traction can reduce the compression on your cervical discs. This can help keep your neck aligned even while you are relaxed.