What should you expect from physiotherapy for degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease describes changes in spinal discs; scan findings and symptoms do not always match. Your therapist will ask whether symptoms are in the neck or lower back, travel into an arm or leg, and which positions help. They may assess spinal movement, strength, hip or shoulder mechanics and daily tasks.

Your programme may include repeated movements, trunk or neck strengthening, hip work, walking and lifting or desk practice. Short, regular activity is often easier than long rest. Increase one aspect at a time. Discuss pain that spreads farther, new weakness or symptoms that stay worse after exercise.

Seek urgent care for bladder or bowel control changes, groin numbness, severe or progressive weakness, fever with spinal pain or major trauma. Arrange review for unexplained weight loss, persistent night pain or steady worsening.

Which symptoms should change the exercise plan? What positions or activities should I modify? When should progress be reviewed?