Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in London

Evidence-Informed Chiropractic Assessment & Conservative Care

Written by Dr. Arjun Bali, BSc, DC & Dr. Jess Pileggi, BHK, DC
Last updated: March 2026

Chiropractic, Massage Therapy & Acupuncture Care at Reset Chiropractic & Rehab

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common cause of chronic neck and back pain affecting many adults. Despite the name, it is not actually a disease. Instead, it describes age-related changes in the spinal discs that can lead to pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility.

At Reset Chiropractic & Rehab in London, Ontario, our team provides evidence-informed, non-surgical care for degenerative disc disease, combining:

Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to normal daily activities.

Our clinic proudly serves patients across London, Ontario, including Pond Mills, Summerside, White Oaks, Glen Cairn, Westminster, and South London.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Your spine contains intervertebral discs that sit between each vertebra. These discs function as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to bend, twist, and absorb mechanical forces.

Over time, discs naturally undergo structural changes such as:

Reduced hydration
Loss of disc height
Reduced flexibility
Small tears within the disc

These changes are referred to as degenerative disc disease.

Importantly, disc degeneration is very common and often occurs without pain.

Large MRI studies show that many individuals with no back pain at all still show disc degeneration.

Because of this, treatment focuses on symptoms and functional limitations rather than imaging findings alone.

spine illustration

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of disc degeneration.

Common symptoms include:

Chronic low back pain
Neck pain and stiffness
Pain worsened by sitting or prolonged positions
Pain when bending or lifting
Reduced spinal mobility
Recurrent flare-ups of spinal pain

This may lead to:

Sciatica
Arm pain
Tingling or numbness
Burning pain down the leg

If nerve symptoms are present, a professional assessment is recommended.

In some cases, degenerative discs can irritate nearby spinal nerves.

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Several factors contribute to disc degeneration.

Aging
Discs gradually lose hydration and elasticity with age.

Mechanical stress
Repetitive bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting can increase spinal load.

Previous injuries
Past spinal injuries may accelerate degenerative changes.

Genetics
Some individuals are predisposed to earlier disc degeneration.

Lifestyle factors
Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and reduced physical activity may contribute to symptoms.

Research indicates disc degeneration is influenced by both mechanical and biological processes.

How Degenerative Disc Disease Is Diagnosed

At Reset Chiropractic & Rehab, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment.

Your chiropractor will evaluate:

Medical history
Pain patterns
Spinal mobility
Neurological function
Orthopedic testing
Movement patterns

Clinical guidelines recommend imaging only when red-flag symptoms are present.

Examples include:

Significant trauma
Progressive neurological deficits
Suspicion of infection or serious pathology

In many cases, advanced imaging such as MRI is not required.

Conservative Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

Most individuals with degenerative disc symptoms improve with non-surgical care.

At Reset Chiropractic & Rehab in London, Ontario, care may include a multidisciplinary approach combining chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation strategies.

Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal spinal movement and reducing mechanical stress on joints and discs.

Care may include:

Spinal manipulation
Joint mobilization
Functional rehabilitation exercises
Postural correction

Research suggests spinal manipulation may improve pain and function in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Massage Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease

Massage therapy can be beneficial for patients experiencing muscle tension and protective muscle guarding around the spine.

Registered massage therapy may help:

Reduce muscle tightness
Improve circulation to soft tissues
Decrease pain and stiffness
Improve overall mobility

Massage therapy is often used alongside chiropractic care to support muscle relaxation and recovery.

Acupuncture for Degenerative Disc Disease

Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage chronic spinal pain and muscle tension.

Care involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points to stimulate the nervous system.

Potential benefits may include:

Reduced pain sensitivity
Improved circulation
Relaxation of surrounding muscles
Reduced inflammation

Research suggests acupuncture may be beneficial for chronic low back pain management.

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Strengthening the muscles that support the spine is an important part of long-term management.

Rehabilitation programs may focus on:

Core stability exercises
Hip mobility
Spinal mobility training
Postural education

Exercise can help reduce stress on spinal discs and support long-term spinal health.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Heal?

Disc degeneration itself cannot be reversed, but symptoms are often manageable.

Many individuals experience significant improvement with:

Conservative care
Targeted exercise
Manual therapy
Lifestyle modifications

The focus of care is to restore movement, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal stability.

When Should You Seek Care?

You should consider a professional evaluation if you experience:

Persistent neck or back pain lasting longer than 2-3 weeks
Pain radiating into the arms or legs
Numbness or tingling
Recurring episodes of spinal pain
Difficulty performing normal daily activities

Early care may help reduce the risk of persistent or worsening symptoms.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in London, Ontario

Reset Chiropractic & Rehab provides evidence-informed conservative care for spinal conditions.

Our multidisciplinary clinic offers:

Chiropractic care
Registered massage therapy
Acupuncture
Rehabilitation strategies

We serve patients throughout London, Ontario, including Pond Mills, Summerside, White Oaks, Glen Cairn, South London, Westminster, and Lambeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is degenerative disc disease serious?

In most cases, it is not dangerous, but it can cause chronic pain if left unaddressed.

Do I need surgery for degenerative disc disease?

Most patients improve with conservative care such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and exercise rehabilitation.

Is degenerative disc disease common?

Yes. Disc degeneration is extremely common and often appears on imaging in people without symptoms.

Can chiropractic care help degenerative disc disease?

Research suggests manual therapy combined with exercise may improve spinal pain and function.

What activities make degenerative disc disease worse?

Common aggravating factors include:

Prolonged sitting
Poor posture
Heavy lifting
Lack of movement

Improving spinal mobility and strength can help reduce symptoms.

Book an Assessment in London, Ontario

If you are experiencing neck pain or low back pain related to degenerative disc disease, our team can help determine an appropriate care approach.

Reset Chiropractic & Rehab
London, Ontario
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

divider