Spinal degeneration is usually seen in older patients. Minor cases of spinal degeneration may cause few or no symptoms. As the condition progresses patients may experience low back pain and stiffness. In more severe cases involving spinal cord or nerve compression, pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness may be present in the lower back, legs or feet.
Patients with spinal degeneration usually experience an increase in symptoms during activities that repetitively or continuously straighten or extend the spine. Symptoms may also increase during activities that place weight on the spine (eg. lifting, prolonged standing, walking etc). Symptoms tend to ease during activities that bend the spine (e.g. sitting) or take weight off it (e.g. lying).

A thorough assessment combined with appropriate investigations is usually required to diagnose spinal degeneration. An X-ray of the spine will usually demonstrate changes associated with spinal degeneration. Other investigations such as a CT scan or MRI can be useful to assess the severity and to determine the exact structures that are affected.

Patients with spinal degeneration are generally managed well with an appropriate chiropractic program. Whilst little can be done to reverse the changes to the spine, patients can usually remain active by modifying their activities. The primary goal of treatment is to remain as active as possible without aggravating symptoms in order to maintain strength and mobility and to avoid deterioration.
Alternative exercises placing minimal force through the spine should be performed by patients with spinal degeneration to maintain fitness provided they do not increase symptoms. Better activities include cycling on a stationary bike and exercises prescribed by your chiropractor.

Chiropractic treatment for patients with spinal degeneration is important to assist with pain relief, improve flexibility and strength, and to ensure an optimal outcome. This may comprise:

• soft tissue massage
• mobilization
• traction
• acupuncture
• heat treatment
• education
• activity modification advice
• exercises to improve flexibility, strength and core stability.

The spine comprises of many vertebrae, each of which has a large hole in its centre. Because these bones are situated on top of each other, their holes line up, forming the spinal canal. This canal provides protection and space for the spinal cord nerves to travel from the brain to the rest of the body. Each vertebra connects with the vertebra above and below via two types of joints: the facet joints on either side of the spine and the disc centrally. There are also small holes on each side of the spine known as intervertebral foramen. These are located between each adjacent vertebra and allow nerves to exit the spinal canal.
Over time, wear and tear to the discs, joints and bones can result in degenerative changes to the spine. These degenerative changes may include decreased disc height, loss of joint cartilage, bony spurs and thickening of bone. This condition is known as spinal degeneration. As this condition progress the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen can narrow and may eventually place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Despite appropriate chiropractic management, some patients with spinal degeneration continue to deteriorate. When this occurs, other intervention may be required. This may include pharmaceutical intervention, investigations such as an X-ray, CT scan, bone scan or MRI, or assessment from a specialist. The treating chiropractor can advise on appropriate management and can refer to the appropriate medical authority if it is warranted clinically.

The following exercises can help with spinal degeneration. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your chiropractor prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

1) Rotation in lying – Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat and together. Gently take both knees from side to side as far as possible without increasing your symptoms. Repeat 10 times.

2) Knees to chest – Lie on your back, knees bent. Take both knees towards your chest as far as possible without increasing your pain. Use your hands to take them a little further provided your symptoms do not increase. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.