Things to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

Things to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

What to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition that affects the spinal discs as we age. It can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the spine, making everyday activities difficult. If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, there are certain things you should avoid to prevent worsening of your symptoms. Here are some key things to steer clear of:

Avoiding High-Impact Activities

High-impact activities such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting can put excessive strain on the spinal discs, worsening the degeneration process. It is important to avoid these activities as much as possible to prevent further damage to your spine.

Avoiding Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Prolonged sitting or standing can also exacerbate symptoms of degenerative disc disease. It is important to take regular breaks to stretch and move around to relieve pressure on the spinal discs. Using ergonomic chairs and desks can also help reduce strain on your spine.

Avoiding Poor Posture

Poor posture can put additional stress on the spinal discs, leading to increased pain and stiffness. It is important to maintain good posture at all times, whether sitting, standing, or walking. Avoid slouching or hunching over, and use proper body mechanics when lifting objects to protect your spine.

What Is Helpful for Degenerative Disc Disease

While there are certain things to avoid with degenerative disc disease, there are also several helpful strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are some key things that can be beneficial:

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain associated with degenerative disc disease. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, or Pilates can be particularly beneficial for maintaining spinal health.

Healthy Eating Habits

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation in the body and support overall spine health. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol can also benefit your spinal health.

Properly Managing Stress

Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms of degenerative disc disease and increase inflammation and pain levels. It is important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Seeking support from a therapist or counsellor can also be helpful in coping with stress.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, including degenerative disc disease. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as manual manipulation, stretching, and massage to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote healing in the body.

During an osteopathic treatment session, the osteopath will assess your spinal alignment, mobility, and muscle strength to identify any areas of dysfunction or imbalance. They will then use multiple techniques to release tension, improve joint mobility, and restore normal function to the spine.

Osteopathy may help alleviate symptoms of degenerative disc disease by:

  • Relieving pain and stiffness in the spine
  • Improving spinal alignment and mobility
  • Reducing muscle tension and inflammation
  • Preventing further degeneration of the spinal discs

Many people with degenerative disc disease find relief from their symptoms and improved quality of life through osteopathic treatment. Osteopathy is a  complementary therapy that can be used in conjunction with other medical treatments to manage your condition.

Degenerative disc disease can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right strategies and support, you can effectively manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. By avoiding high-impact activities, maintaining good posture, and practicing healthy habits, you can help prevent further damage to your spine.

In addition to these lifestyle changes, osteopathy can be a valuable treatment option for relieving pain, improving mobility, and promoting healing in the body. If you are struggling to manage your symptoms of degenerative disc disease, consider seeking the help of an osteopath to guide you on your journey to better spinal health.

Our Osteopaths are also here to support you to continue doing what you love. If this is something that may be impacting your degenerative changes, we will educate you and help to improve what you are doing to decrease the damage occurring. We are here to support you through your health journey and one of our aims is to help you continue doing activities that bring you joy.

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5 Causes of Lower Back Pain and How an Osteopath Can help

5 Causes of Lower Back Pain and How an Osteopath Can help

5 Causes of Lower Back Pain and How an Osteopath Can Help

Introduction

Lower back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making even the simplest tasks unbearable. Understanding the underlying causes of lower back pain is crucial for effective treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss five common causes of lower back pain and how an osteopath can help alleviate the discomfort.

The Osteopaths at Eclipse Health and Osteopathy have more than 20 years combined experience and have seen and helped many patients with lower back pain. It is one of the most common reasons people seek help from and Osteopath.

Cause 1: Muscle Strain

One of the primary causes of lower back pain is muscle strain. This occurs when the muscles in the lower back are overstretched or torn due to improper lifting techniques, sudden movements, or poor posture. The pain from a muscle strain can range from mild to debilitating, making it essential to seek proper treatment.

Treatment by an osteopath involves a thorough assessment of the affected muscles and surrounding tissues. The osteopath will use a combination of manual techniques, such as soft tissue manipulation, to relieve muscle tension and promote healing. In addition, they may provide tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve posture, reducing the likelihood of future muscle strains.

Cause 2: Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is another common cause of lower back pain. This occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a vertebral disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, irritating nearby nerves. Herniated discs can be caused by age-related wear and tear, repetitive movements, or sudden injuries.

An osteopath can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a herniated disc through various techniques. They may use gentle spinal manipulation to relieve pressure on the affected disc and nerves. Additionally, they can provide exercises to improve core strength, which helps stabilize the spine and reduce the risk of further disc issues.

Cause 3: Arthritis

Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, can also contribute to lower back pain. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is a common form of arthritis that affects the spine. It occurs when the protective cartilage between the vertebrae wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.

Osteopathic treatment for arthritis involves a holistic approach to manage pain and improve mobility. An osteopath will use gentle manipulation techniques to relieve joint stiffness and restore proper alignment. They may also provide advice on lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and nutrition, to help manage arthritis symptoms effectively.

Cause 4: Poor Posture

Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged sitting or standing in improper postures, which can strain the muscles and ligaments of the lower back. Poor posture places undue stress on the spine, leading to pain and discomfort over time.

An osteopath can assess your posture and identify areas of imbalance. They will provide tailored exercises and advice to improve posture, thereby relieving strain on the lower back. Additionally, they may use manual techniques to release tension in the muscles and promote better alignment of the spine.

Cause 5: Stress and Emotional Factors

Believe it or not, emotional factors such as stress and anxiety can contribute to lower back pain. When our bodies are under stress, we tend to tense our muscles, including those in the back, leading to pain and discomfort.

Osteopaths recognize the influence of emotional factors on physical well-being. They may combine physical techniques with relaxation and breathing exercises to help reduce stress levels and alleviate lower back pain. By addressing the emotional component, osteopaths can contribute to overall pain relief and improved mental well-being.

Lower back pain can significantly impact one’s daily life, but with the help of an osteopath, relief is possible. By understanding the underlying causes of lower back pain, such as muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, poor posture, and emotional factors, an osteopath can provide effective treatments tailored to the individual’s needs. If you are experiencing lower back pain, don’t hesitate to consult with an osteopath and take the necessary steps to restore your comfort and quality of life.

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