What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (LDDD)?
Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) is actually not a disease at all, rather it’s the natural breaking down of the intervertebral discs as we age. LDDD is rarely associated with one major traumatic event. It is more likely to manifest over time with constant wear and tear. Lifestyle choices, including poor posture and poor movement patterning, can also contribute to disc degeneration.
Symptoms of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease.
Occasionally, no symptoms are present with LDDD. But when pain does occur, it is most often felt in the lower back, glutes, and legs. Sciatica symptoms can also be present. Furthermore, this condition is commonly worsened by bending or twisting. Pain may come and go but in some cases, it is constant and persistent.
Treatments for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
The treatment of LDDD depends on severity. Although there is no way to reverse LDDD, improving lower back flexibility, strength and stability is crucial to reducing pain.
Massage Therapy Treatments can Help!
Regular massage therapy treatments from a skilled therapist can help to reduce chronic tension in lower back muscles, rebalance muscles and increase blood flow. Your team of practitioners can help coach you on proper posture, movement patterning and specific strengthening and mobility exercises to help reduce your symptoms. Also, working with a skilled personal trainer or physical therapist may also be helpful.
Anti-Inflammatories, Ice and Heat
In addition to ice or heat packs, anti-inflammatory pain medications, may help to immediately reduce pain. Other problems such as disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis may stem from LDDD. If this happens, other treatments including surgery may be necessary.
Remember to always have your persistent back pain evaluated by a professional, as there can be many overlapping symptoms and countless causes.
Contact our owner and Injury Specialist, David, with any of your injury questions at 303-444-1171. He has over 20 years experience working with injuries and athletes.
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This blog is part of a series explaining lower back pain called, “Do You Have Lower Back Pain.”