Degenerated disc in the lumbar spine are one of the more common causes for low back pain. A spinal disc is the spacers between the bones, and acts as a shock absorbers. It are made up of a fibrous outer ring called the annulus fibrosus, and a jelly-like inner material called the nucleus pulposus. It is the nucleus pulposus that acts as the primary shock absorber within the disc. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause damage to the disc, reducing the amount of the nucleus pulposus and the overall height of the disc, which diminishes its ability to absorb forces. The change in disc height can alter how the joints in the low back rub on one another, reduces space for where the nerves exit the spine, and the disc itself can become a source of pain. Irritation around the spine often leads to tightening of muscles and joint stiffness, which further exacerbate the problem. Also, poor posture can play a role in symptom exacerbation. Our therapist perform an extensive evaluation to determine which structures are involved, what each patient’s exacerbating factors are, and come up with an individualized program to improve their symptoms.
