Low Back Arthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Physical Therapy Treatment

Are you experiencing lower back pain, stiffness, or discomfort? Lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) and arthritis are two common conditions that can cause these symptoms. Fortunately, physical therapy can help. If you're in the Orlando area and looking for physical therapy for lumbar DDD or arthritis, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore how physical therapy can help manage these conditions and improve your quality of life.

What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?

Lumbar DDD affects the discs in the lower back that act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae in the spine. Over time, these discs can degenerate, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Symptoms of lumbar DDD can include pain in the lower back that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, muscle weakness in the legs, and stiffness in the lower back.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the lower back. Symptoms of arthritis in the lower back can include pain that worsens with activity, stiffness that improves with rest, limited range of motion, and numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, if nerve root is affected.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for managing symptoms of lumbar DDD and arthritis. Here's how physical therapy can help:

Pain Management

Physical therapists in Orlando can use a variety of techniques to manage pain associated with lumbar DDD and arthritis. These techniques may include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and activity modification.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises can improve the strength and stability of the muscles that support the lower back, reducing pain and improving mobility. Physical therapists in Orlando can create an individualized exercise plan for each patient based on their specific needs and goals. This exercise plan can be performed in the clinic and at home.

RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES

Range of motion exercises can improve flexibility and mobility in the lower back, reducing stiffness and improving overall function.

EDUCATION AND SELF-CARE

Physical therapists in Orlando can provide education and guidance on self-care strategies to manage symptoms of lumbar DDD and arthritis. This may include advice on posture, ergonomics, and strategies for avoiding aggravating activities.

Physical Therapy for DDD in Orlando

If you're in the Orlando area and experiencing symptoms of lumbar DDD or arthritis, physical therapy can help. Physical therapists at Premier Performance and Physical Therapy use a variety of techniques, including pain management, strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, and education and self-care to manage these conditions and improve your quality of life. Don't let lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort hold you back. Contact a physical therapist at Premier Performance and Physical Therapy today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you.