Degenerative Disc Disease
Understanding symptoms, causes and treatment for degenerative disc disease near Andover, Hampshire.
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of ongoing low back pain, and despite the name, it isn't really a "disease" - it's the natural wear and thinning of the discs between your spinal bones as they lose height and hydration over time. If you're dealing with a stiff, aching back that flares up with certain movements or after long periods sitting or standing, you're not alone, and there's a lot that can be done to help you manage it and stay active.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Your spine is made up of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs — tough, fibrous cushions with a softer, gel-like centre. These discs absorb shock and allow your spine to bend and twist. Over time, discs naturally lose water content and elasticity, becoming thinner and less able to cushion movement. This process is a normal part of ageing, similar to how skin loses elasticity over the years.
For most people, this happens without ever causing pain. For others, the changes in disc height and structure alter how load passes through the spine, placing more stress on the surrounding joints, ligaments and muscles - and it's this that tends to produce the pain and stiffness associated with DDD, rather than the disc itself.
Common Symptoms
Low back pain that's often worse with sitting, bending or twisting, and eased by walking or changing position
Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after inactivity
Pain that flares up periodically, then settles, rather than being constant
Discomfort that may spread into the buttocks or upper thighs
A feeling of weakness or instability in the lower back
Symptoms that ease when lying down or changing position
Causes and Risk Factors
Age - disc changes become more common from your 30s onwards
Genetics, which research suggests plays a significant role in how early and how much your discs degenerate
Repetitive loading through work or sport, particularly heavy lifting or prolonged sitting
Previous injury to the spine
Smoking, which reduces blood supply to the discs
Excess body weight, which increases load on the lower spine
How Common Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Disc degeneration is extremely common - and importantly, it's often found on scans of people who have no back pain at all. Studies of MRI scans show disc changes in a large proportion of pain-free adults, increasing steadily with age. In other words, having "degenerate" discs on a scan doesn't automatically mean they're the cause of your pain, and it's rarely a sign of anything serious. This is genuinely reassuring: it means the finding itself isn't something to be alarmed by, and most people manage their symptoms well with conservative, non-surgical care.
Diagnosis
Degenerative disc disease is usually identified through a clinical assessment: a detailed history of your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse, combined with a physical examination of your spine's movement, posture and muscle function.
Imaging such as X-ray or MRI isn't usually needed early on, since disc changes are so common in people without pain that a scan alone can't confirm what's causing your symptoms. It may be considered if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or if there are signs suggesting something else is going on, we can advise whether a referral for imaging is appropriate as part of your assessment.
Treatment Options
Osteopathic treatment for DDD focuses on improving movement and reducing strain on the structures around the affected discs — using techniques such as soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and gentle manipulation, tailored to your presentation and comfort.
Osteopathy
Because DDD-related pain is closely linked to how load is managed through the spine, a structured exercise programme - building core and back strength, improving mobility, and gradually returning to normal activity - is one of the most effective long-term approaches for keeping symptoms under control.
Rehabilitation
IDD Therapy - Spinal Decompression
For persistent pain linked to disc height loss, IDD Therapy gently and progressively decompresses the affected segments, aiming to relieve pressure and improve mobility as part of a structured treatment programme. You can find out more, including whether it may be suitable for you, on our IDD Therapy page.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Most low back pain from disc degeneration settles with the right conservative management, but it's worth having it assessed if:
Pain has persisted for more than a few weeks
Symptoms are limiting your daily activities or sleep
You notice numbness, tingling or weakness spreading into your legs
You experience any loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or saddle area, these require urgent medical attention
FAQs
Is degenerative disc disease serious?
For most people, no. It's a very common, age-related change rather than a dangerous condition, and having disc degeneration on a scan doesn't mean you're destined for ongoing pain or disability.
Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?
The disc changes themselves aren't reversible, but that doesn't mean your symptoms can't improve significantly. Most people find their pain becomes manageable, or resolves, with conservative treatment and activity modification.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is rarely needed for degenerative disc disease alone and is generally only considered when conservative treatment hasn't helped and specific structural problems are identified.
What's the difference between degenerative disc disease and a slipped disc?
Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual, ongoing thinning and drying out of a disc, while a slipped disc (or disc herniation) is when part of the disc's inner material pushes out through a tear in the outer layer, sometimes irritating a nearby nerve. Discs that have degenerated are somewhat more prone to herniating, but the two are different. Read more on our Slipped Disc page.
Is exercise safe if I have degenerative disc disease?
Yes. appropriate, guided exercise is one of the most helpful things you can do. Movement helps keep the surrounding muscles strong and the spine mobile; prolonged rest tends to make symptoms worse, not better.
Summary
Degenerative disc disease is a common, usually age-related change that's rarely a cause for alarm, even though the name sounds concerning. Most people manage their symptoms well with the right conservative care - osteopathy, targeted rehabilitation, and, where appropriate, IDD spinal decompression therapy. If ongoing back pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, we're here to help you understand what's going on and build a plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Book an appointment.
If back pain or stiffness has been holding you back, book an assessment with us here in Goodworth Clatford, Andover, and we'll help you understand what's going on and the options available to you. You can book online or call 01264 580280 if you'd like to discuss your symptoms first.
If you would like to discuss whether IDD Therapy might be right for you, we offer a free 30 minute discovery call. Call now on 01264 580280
Typical candidates for IDD Therapy are individuals with back, neck, or leg pain who have tried other treatments without success.
They may be on pain medication, have undergone an MRI scan, and might be considering invasive treatments like injections or, in severe cases, surgery.
MRI Scans and Suitability for IDD Therapy
Before beginning IDD Therapy, it’s important to confirm that treatment is appropriate for your condition. An up-to-date MRI scan is essential, as it allows us to see the underlying cause of your back or neck pain in detail.
We work in partnership with Vista Health, a leading nationwide provider of diagnostic imaging. This means our patients benefit from:
Fast access to MRI scans at convenient UK locations
High-quality imaging that gives us a clear understanding of your spine
Affordable options compared with many hospital-based scans
By teaming up with Vista, we can quickly review your scan results and confirm whether IDD Therapy is the right course of treatment for you. This ensures that your care is safe, appropriate, and based on the best possible information.
If you're experiencing back or neck pain, or symptoms affecting your legs or arms, visit us for a professional assessment to determine the most suitable treatment for you.
Clinic Director Mark Stockwell says:
“Our goal is to get you moving freely again. Certain spinal conditions simply need more than standard hands-on treatment and exercise, having IDD therapy we can help people get back to doing the things they love as part of long term care solution.”
To book a consultation or request a callback: 01264 580280
Book an appointment.
You can book an appointment online or call 01264 580280 if you would like to discuss your condition beforehand.
