Degenerative disc disease can result in back pain and sciatica

degenerative disc disease

Back pain that worsens while you’re sitting. Increased difficulty doing tasks that involve bending, twisting or lifting. These are common signs of an issue called degenerative disc disease.

This condition can make it harder to do many common daily tasks. You might not be able to play with your grandchildren. Picking up a dropped pen can be a slow and painful process. Even making it through the workday can be a challenge. Fortunately, our physical therapists offer back pain and sciatica treatment that can help patients with degenerative disc disease.

Why does degenerative disc disease often lead to back pain and sciatica?

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can cause you to develop back pain and sciatica. This back issue is a common effect of aging, which may lead you to believe that it only affects older people. However, degenerative disc disease can occur in people of almost any age. In fact, it’s reported that 40% of Americans who are 40 years old have this condition.

In degenerative disc disease, the weakening of the cartilage between the bones in the spine causes issues. Some of these may include:

  • Interrupting necessary blood flow
  • Inflammation
  • Muscle spasms

All these issues can lead to long-term back pain. Degenerative disc disease may also lead to sciatic nerve irritation, and this can cause you to develop sciatica.

How can physical therapists treat degenerative disc disease?

Options for treating the back pain and sciatica that result from degenerative disc disease range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. In mild or moderate cases, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option. 

Our physical therapists can create an individualized therapy plan for you. This plan will be designed to reduce your pain. It can also help improve your ability to do normal daily activities. Some of the therapy techniques that could be included in your therapy plan are:

Border Therapy Services can assist with your back pain and sciatica treatment needs

Have degenerative disc disease that’s causing you back pain and sciatica? Our dedicated team of physical therapists at Border Therapy Services are here to help. We offer free screenings that can confirm that you’re dealing with degenerative disc disease. Our team also excels at building personalized therapy plans designed to reduce back pain. 

Not able to leave home right now? Don’t worry! You can still get the therapy you need thanks to our virtual care and at-home therapy services. Even better, you can start using our therapy services without a doctor’s referral. 

Take the next step to start getting help from our therapy specialists. Contact our team today for more information about our services or to schedule an initial appointment.