Does degenerative disc disease mean my spine is falling apart?

No. Disc degeneration is a common part of aging, and many people with degenerative changes remain active and functional.

Should I exercise if I have degenerative disc disease?

In many cases, yes. Exercise is an important component of maintaining strength and physical function. Your program should be appropriate for your symptoms and current abilities.

Should I avoid lifting?

You may temporarily modify painful activities, but permanently avoiding lifting is generally not the goal. Physical therapy can help you gradually rebuild lifting capacity.

Can degenerative disc disease get worse with age?

Structural disc changes commonly occur with age, but worsening imaging does not necessarily mean worsening pain or disability.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in Revere, MA

Q: What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease describes changes that occur within the spinal discs over time. These changes are commonly associated with aging and may or may not cause symptoms.

Q: Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease generally refers to age-related or wear-related changes in the spinal discs rather than a traditional disease.

Q: Can physical therapy help degenerative disc disease?

Yes. Physical therapy can help improve strength, mobility, endurance, movement, and activity tolerance while helping you manage symptoms.

Q: Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?

The structural aging of a disc cannot simply be reversed through physical therapy. However, symptoms and physical function can often improve significantly.

Q: Can degenerative disc disease cause sciatica?

It can contribute to sciatic symptoms when degenerative changes affect or irritate nearby spinal nerves.

Q: Can degenerative disc disease cause numbness?

Yes. If degenerative changes contribute to nerve irritation or compression, numbness, tingling, or weakness may occur.

Q: Does degenerative disc disease require surgery?

No. Many people manage symptoms successfully with conservative treatment. Surgery may be appropriate in certain circumstances and should be discussed with a qualified medical provider.

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck and Lower Back

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease in the traditional sense. It generally refers to age-related or wear-related changes in the spinal discs that can sometimes contribute to neck or back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

For some people, these changes cause little or no discomfort. For others, disc degeneration can contribute to persistent pain, difficulty moving, or symptoms that interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and everyday activities.

At Broadway Physical Therapy & Rehab in Revere, MA, we provide individualized physical therapy for patients experiencing symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease. Our goal is to help you understand your condition, improve your physical capabilities, manage symptoms, and return to the activities that matter most to you.

Book an Appointment

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Your spine contains a series of vertebrae separated by spinal discs.

These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and help absorb forces while allowing the spine to bend, rotate, and move.

Over time, discs naturally undergo changes.

They may:

Lose water content
Become less flexible
Become thinner
Develop small tears or changes in their outer layer
Become less effective at absorbing certain forces

These changes are often referred to as degenerative disc changes or degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Despite the word "disease," these changes are often part of the normal aging process.

Some people have significant disc degeneration on an MRI and experience very little pain, while others may experience substantial symptoms.

This is why an imaging finding should be considered alongside your symptoms, physical examination, activity level, and overall health.

Is Degenerative Disc Disease Really a Disease?

Not necessarily. The term can sound alarming, but degenerative disc disease is often used to describe changes that naturally occur within the spine over time. It does not automatically mean that your spine is rapidly deteriorating. It also does not mean that you will inevitably develop severe pain or require surgery. In fact, many people have disc degeneration without experiencing symptoms.

The focus of treatment is therefore not simply to "reverse degeneration." Instead, physical therapy focuses on helping you improve strength, mobility, activity tolerance, and confidence while managing symptoms.

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Disc degeneration is commonly associated with the natural aging process. As you age, the discs of the spine may gradually change.

Other factors may also contribute to disc degeneration or symptoms associated with it, including:

Repetitive physical stress
Previous spinal injuries
Repetitive lifting
Frequent bending or twisting
Physically demanding occupations
Smoking
Genetics
Higher levels of spinal loading
Previous disc problems

Sometimes symptoms develop gradually. In other cases, a person may notice pain following a specific movement or activity. There is not always a single event that causes degenerative disc disease.

Where Does Degenerative Disc Disease Occur?

Degenerative disc changes can occur throughout the spine. However, they are particularly common in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back).

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Degeneration in the lower back may contribute to:

Low back pain
Back stiffness
Buttock discomfort
Pain with prolonged sitting
Pain with prolonged standing
Difficulty bending
Difficulty lifting
Reduced walking tolerance
Muscle fatigue
Reduced activity tolerance

In some cases, degenerative changes can contribute to narrowing around spinal nerves and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or leg pain.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative changes in the neck may contribute to:

Neck pain
Neck stiffness
Shoulder discomfort
Pain around the shoulder blade
Headaches associated with the neck
Reduced ability to turn the head
Arm pain
Numbness or tingling
Arm or hand weakness

If a nerve becomes irritated or compressed, cervical degenerative changes may contribute to cervical radiculopathy.

What Are the Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Symptoms vary significantly from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all.

When symptoms are present, they may include:

Neck pain
Low back pain
Spinal stiffness
Muscle spasms
Pain that increases with certain positions
Pain after prolonged sitting
Pain after prolonged standing
Difficulty bending
Difficulty lifting
Reduced range of motion
Pain that travels into an arm or leg
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness
Reduced tolerance for exercise
Difficulty performing work activities

Symptoms can also fluctuate. You may have periods where your symptoms are minimal followed by periods of increased pain or stiffness.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Cause Sciatica?

It can contribute to sciatic symptoms in some people. As spinal discs and other structures change over time, the space around a spinal nerve may become reduced. If a nerve becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms may travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg. However, degenerative disc disease is not the only possible cause of sciatica.

Other conditions can contribute to sciatic symptoms, including:

Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Bone spurs
Facet joint changes
Other causes of nerve irritation

A thorough examination can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Cause Numbness or Tingling?

Sometimes. Degenerative changes may contribute to narrowing around the spinal nerves.

If a nerve becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms may include:

Numbness
Tingling
Burning
Electric-like sensations
Shooting pain
Muscle weakness

The location of these symptoms can provide important information about which nerves may be involved. New or worsening weakness, significant numbness, or other neurological changes should be evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.

Does Everyone With Degenerative Disc Disease Have Pain?

No. This is one of the most important things to understand about degenerative disc disease. Degenerative changes on an MRI do not automatically mean that the disc is the source of your pain. Disc changes become increasingly common as people get older, and many individuals have these changes without experiencing significant symptoms.

Your physical therapist will look at the entire picture, including:

Your symptoms
Your movement
Your strength
Your mobility
Your activity level
Your functional limitations
Your medical history
Your imaging when available

The goal is to determine what factors are actually contributing to your symptoms.

Does Degenerative Disc Disease Get Worse With Age?

Disc changes commonly progress over time as part of the natural aging process. However, progressive changes on an MRI do not necessarily mean progressively worsening pain or disability. Many people continue to work, exercise, participate in sports, and live active lives despite having degenerative changes in their spine. Your physical capacity can often be improved even when structural changes remain. Physical therapy focuses on helping you build that capacity.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Be Reversed?

Currently, physical therapy cannot restore an aged spinal disc to its original structure. However, that does not mean you cannot improve. Treatment can help address many of the factors that influence how your spine feels and functions.

Physical therapy may help you:

Improve strength
Increase mobility
Improve endurance
Reduce pain
Improve movement patterns
Increase activity tolerance
Improve lifting capacity
Return to exercise
Return to work
Manage future flare-ups

The goal is to improve how your body functions, rather than attempting to make an MRI look younger.

Can Physical Therapy Help Degenerative Disc Disease?

Yes. Physical therapy is often an important part of conservative treatment for people experiencing symptoms associated with degenerative disc changes. Treatment is individualized based on your symptoms, physical examination, lifestyle, and goals.

Your physical therapist may help you:

Reduce pain
Improve spinal mobility
Strengthen your core and supporting muscles
Improve hip strength
Improve posture and movement strategies
Increase walking tolerance
Improve lifting ability
Return to exercise
Develop a long-term exercise program
Manage future flare-ups

Physical therapy is not designed to "cure" the structural aging of the disc. Instead, it helps you become stronger, more mobile, and more capable despite those changes.

Your Physical Therapy Evaluation

At Broadway Physical Therapy & Rehab, your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

Your physical therapist may ask about:

When symptoms began
Where you experience pain
What makes symptoms better or worse
Sitting tolerance
Standing tolerance
Walking tolerance
Sleep
Work activities
Exercise
Previous injuries
Previous treatments
Imaging results
Medical history
Your goals

Your physical examination may assess:

Spinal range of motion
Strength
Flexibility
Posture
Walking
Balance
Neurological function
Functional movement
Lifting mechanics
Hip mobility
Core control
Movement patterns

This information helps your therapist identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Book an Appointment

Physical Therapy Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

Your treatment program may include several different approaches.

Therapeutic Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important components of long-term spine rehabilitation.

Your therapist may prescribe exercises to improve:

Core strength
Hip strength
Spinal control
Mobility
Endurance
Functional strength
Overall physical capacity

Exercises are gradually progressed as your tolerance improves.

Core Strengthening

Your abdominal, back, and hip muscles help your body manage everyday physical demands.

A strengthening program may include:

Core stabilization
Bridges
Planks and modified planks
Anti-rotation exercises
Hip strengthening
Functional resistance exercises

Your program will be adjusted to your current ability rather than forcing you into exercises that aggravate your symptoms.

Spinal Mobility

Degenerative changes can sometimes be associated with stiffness.

Your therapist may incorporate appropriate mobility exercises for the:

Neck
Upper back
Lower back
Hips

The goal is to restore comfortable movement rather than force excessive range of motion.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques may be used to help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and make exercise easier.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

Soft-tissue techniques
Joint mobilization
Muscle-release techniques
Other hands-on approaches

Manual therapy is generally used as part of a broader active rehabilitation program.

Posture and Movement Education

There is no single "perfect posture." However, certain positions may increase symptoms when held for long periods.

Your therapist can help you identify strategies for:

Sitting
Standing
Driving
Working
Sleeping
Lifting
Changing positions

The goal is to improve your ability to move comfortably rather than make you afraid of certain positions.

Functional Training

As you improve, treatment can become more specific to your daily activities.

This may include:

Lifting
Carrying
Bending
Reaching
Pushing
Pulling
Stair climbing
Work-related activities
Exercise
Sports

The goal is to help you build enough strength and endurance to handle the demands of your life.

What Exercises Are Best for Degenerative Disc Disease?

There is no single exercise that works for everyone with degenerative disc disease.

Your program depends on:

Where your symptoms are located
Your current strength
Your mobility
Your activity level
Your work requirements
Your age
Your previous exercise experience
What movements improve or worsen your symptoms

Exercises may include:

Walking
Core stabilization
Hip strengthening
Resistance training
Spinal mobility exercises
Postural exercises
Balance exercises
Cardiovascular exercise
Functional strengthening

As your strength and tolerance improve, exercises can be progressed to better prepare you for work, recreation, exercise, and everyday life.

Should You Rest With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Rest can sometimes be appropriate during a significant flare-up.

However, prolonged inactivity can contribute to:

Weakness
Stiffness
Reduced endurance
Lower activity tolerance
Fear of movement
Difficulty returning to normal activities

Your physical therapist can help you determine how much activity is appropriate and develop a gradual plan for increasing your movement.

Can You Exercise With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Absolutely. In many cases, exercise is an important part of managing symptoms and maintaining long-term function.

Appropriate exercise may include:

Walking
Strength training
Core exercises
Cycling
Swimming
Low-impact cardiovascular exercise
Resistance training
Mobility exercises

The right type and intensity depend on your symptoms and physical capabilities. You do not need to stop exercising simply because an MRI shows degenerative changes. Instead, your exercise program may need to be adjusted and progressively built around your current abilities.

Do I Need an MRI for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Not necessarily. Imaging may be appropriate when symptoms are severe, persistent, associated with neurological changes, or when a healthcare provider needs to investigate another possible condition. An MRI can identify structural changes within the spine, but it cannot determine exactly how much pain a person should experience. That is why your clinical presentation matters. Your healthcare provider and physical therapist can help determine whether imaging is appropriate and how the findings relate to your symptoms.

Does Degenerative Disc Disease Require Surgery?

Not automatically. Many people manage symptoms through conservative treatment.

This may include:

Physical therapy
Exercise
Activity modification
Education
Medication recommended by a medical provider
Other nonsurgical treatments when appropriate

Surgery may be considered in certain situations, particularly when significant neurological problems develop or symptoms remain severe despite appropriate conservative treatment. Your physician or spine specialist can determine whether surgery is appropriate for your condition.

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

Most cases of neck and back pain are not emergencies. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

New loss of bladder control
New loss of bowel control
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Rapidly worsening weakness
Significant difficulty walking
Severe symptoms following major trauma
Fever combined with significant spinal pain
Unexplained weight loss with persistent pain
New spinal pain with a history of cancer
Severe or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and should not be managed solely through routine physical therapy.

How Long Does Degenerative Disc Disease Last?

Degenerative disc changes themselves are generally considered part of the long-term aging process. However, pain and functional limitations do not have to remain permanent. Symptoms may fluctuate over time. Some people experience periods of increased pain followed by periods of significant improvement. Physical therapy can help you develop the strength, mobility, and strategies needed to better manage symptoms and remain active over the long term.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Be Prevented?

Age-related disc changes cannot be completely prevented. However, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle may help support overall spinal health and physical function.

Helpful habits may include:

Regular exercise
Strength training
Maintaining physical activity
Avoiding prolonged inactivity
Using appropriate lifting strategies
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Not smoking
Managing existing injuries
Addressing recurring pain early

You do not need to protect your spine by avoiding movement. In many cases, a stronger and more physically capable body is better prepared to handle everyday demands.

Physical Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease in Revere, MA

Looking for degenerative disc disease treatment near you? Broadway Physical Therapy & Rehab provides personalized physical therapy for patients experiencing neck pain, back pain, stiffness, mobility limitations, and other symptoms associated with degenerative spinal changes.

Our Revere clinic serves patients throughout:

Revere • Chelsea • Everett • Winthrop • East Boston • Malden • Saugus • Lynn • Melrose • Greater Boston and surrounding communities

Whether you were recently told that you have degenerative disc disease or have been managing neck or back pain for years, our physical therapists can evaluate your condition and help determine an appropriate path forward.

Why Choose Broadway Physical Therapy & Rehab?

Serving Revere Since 1999

Broadway Physical Therapy & Rehab has provided personalized physical therapy to patients throughout Revere and surrounding communities for more than 25 years.

Personalized Spine Rehabilitation

We recognize that an MRI diagnosis does not tell the entire story. Your treatment plan is based on your symptoms, physical examination, activity level, and goals.

Physical Therapist-Owned & Operated

Our focus is on individualized care and helping patients make meaningful improvements in function.

Active Rehabilitation

Treatment may combine therapeutic exercise, strengthening, mobility work, manual therapy, education, and functional training.

Advanced Treatment Options

When appropriate, Broadway Physical Therapy offers advanced rehabilitation technologies and treatment options that may not be available at every physical therapy clinic.

Convenient Greater Boston Location

Our Revere location makes personalized physical therapy accessible to patients throughout Greater Boston and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Degenerative Disc Disease