Therapies... - Massage - Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

This refers to the degeneration of the tough, fibrous, outer portion (annulus fibrosis) of an intervertebral disc, which generally occurs in the lumbar or cervical spine. There is often pain, tearing, and scarring involved. This disease can lead to what is called nerve root entrapment due to a narrowing of the intervertebral foramen or because of a disc herniation or prolapse that puts pressure on the nerve involved. It is generally a result of repeated microtrauma. It can be caused by excessive rotation or a horizontal stress on the disc involved because of poor posture. Immobility of the spine or direct trauma can also be implicated.

Pain is the most commonly reported symptom. It is generally a dull, aching pain that is directly associated with continued degeneration of the disc. You may also experience pain and dysfunction of joints and muscles due to the presence of trigger points. The pain is often aggravated by movement, bending, coughing, or stretching, and is relieved by rest. If a nerve root is being compressed, you may feel "pins and needles", have slower reflexes, or experience muscle weakness and atrophy.

The primary goal of treatment will probably be to decrease pain, and this can be done by decreasing SNS firing as would be achieved following a protocol similar to that of stress reduction. Your therapist can also treat trigger points and hypertonic muscles or muscles that are in spasm. (Note that your therapist may not treat a muscle in spasm if it is supporting or stabilizing the area.) Your RMT can also help you maintain ROM of joints and tissue health with a variety of massage techniques and joint mobilizations. Any contributing factors should be addressed to minimize further injury to the area. Hydrotherapy can be very beneficial to help reduce muscle spasm, relieve pain, and maintain tissue health.

It is imperative to tell your therapist if you have had back surgery, especially if you have had vertebrae fused, as this may alter the course of treatment. Your therapist can also attend to any scarring as a result of the surgery.

It is important to minimize the progression of the disease. Your therapist can design a remedial exercise program, which includes stretching and strengthening, to cater to the presentation and stage of degeneration you are experiencing. Movement is important. You can try exercises in a pool to reduce the effects of gravity, and thus weight, on your back. Your RMT can help you find a back self-help or support group in your area.