Quick Summary
Seeing “degenerative disc disease” on a report can be worrying. Disc changes are common and do not always cause pain. We help you understand the finding in context and plan care around your symptoms, movement and the activities you want to regain.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
The term describes changes in spinal discs, often including reduced water content or height. It is commonly used for age-related findings rather than a steadily worsening illness. Some people have pain or nerve symptoms, while others have similar changes without difficulty.
How we assess your symptoms
Bring your scan report if you have one. We explain what it may and may not mean, assess function and screen relevant nerve signs. A new or worsening neurological problem requires medical review; repeat imaging is not automatically needed to measure rehabilitation progress.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Possible recurring back ache or stiffness, although there may be no symptoms.
- Reduced tolerance for particular positions or tasks.
- Leg pain, tingling or weakness if nearby nerves are affected; this needs assessment.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
Age and individual factors contribute to disc changes over time. A report cannot show the complete reason for pain. How symptoms respond to movement, neurological findings and your wider health are considered together before treatment decisions are made.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may ease associated discomfort and support movement alongside exercise. It does not restore disc height or reverse scan changes. We judge benefit by your symptoms and function rather than claims of regenerating a disc.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for degenerative spinal disc changes. It cannot restore disc height or reverse an MRI finding. We focus on assessment, appropriate exercise and activity, with medical referral when needed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We build a sustainable combination of strength, walking or other activity, and practice of tasks you find difficult. The starting level is individual and can change during flares. Improving confidence and capacity matters even when scan findings remain.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Does degeneration mean my spine is wearing out?
The wording can sound more alarming than the clinical situation. Such changes are common, and many people remain active. Your symptoms and examination determine whether they need specific treatment.
Can I still lift or exercise?
Often yes, with an appropriate starting load and progression. We assess your goals and any nerve findings. A scan label alone is not a reason for permanent avoidance of movement.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice. For assessed muscle tension, Soft Tissue Therapy with Brigitte may complement your exercise plan. New weakness or nerve symptoms should be assessed before massage.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Herniated disc · Persistent low back pain
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.