Degenerative Disc Disease Massage

A Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Massage is a supportive therapy that targets pain, stiffness, and muscle compensation associated with degenerating spinal discs. The treatment focuses on relaxing tight muscles, improving circulation, releasing adhesions, and gently decompressing spinal segments to alleviate symptoms and optimize function.​

Signs & Symptoms

• Chronic neck or back pain, often with periods of sharp exacerbations

• Muscle spasms, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the spine

• Referred pain to the limbs (radiculopathy) and sometimes numbness or tingling

• Pain worsens with certain movements (twisting, bending, lifting) or prolonged static postures

• Compensatory muscular tension or weakness in areas surrounding the degenerating disc.​

Contraindications

• Avoid deep tissue or aggressive mobilization directly over spinal segments with instability or acute severe pain​

• Massage is contraindicated on areas with fresh fractures, open wounds, skin infection, acute disc herniation with neurological symptoms, or suspected cancer

• Use caution in clients on anticoagulants, with osteoporosis, or recent spinal surgery—consult physician first

• No strong traction or passive movement in ranges that provoke sharp pain or neurological deficit.​

Assessment

• Take a detailed pain and health history: onset, progression, aggravating/alleviating factors, and prior treatment

• Palpate for muscle tone, spasm, trigger points, and fascial adhesions around affected vertebrae

• Assess spinal range of motion, functional strength, and referred symptoms in extremities

• Review recent imaging or physician recommendations when available

• Monitor for red flags: severe neurological changes, acute loss of function, systemic symptoms.​

Treatment

• Gentle Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular techniques to relax compensating muscles in neck, shoulders, back, and hips​

• Soft tissue mobilization and facilitated stretching—never forceful, and always within comfort range

• Light joint play or traction (as tolerated) to support decompression of affected segments, only if no instability is present and with medical clearance​

• Use hydrotherapy: moist heat or contrast baths for muscle relaxation, never on acutely inflamed tissue

• Education and cues for posture, gentle movement, and pain management strategies.​

Self Care

• Regular gentle stretching and mobility exercises (as guided by physiotherapist or healthcare provider)

• Self-massage using a foam roller, ball, or gentle fingertip kneading for tension areas​

• Maintain upright posture, avoid prolonged static positions, ergonomic support for spine

• Use heat packs (not on acutely painful areas) or Epsom salt baths to promote relaxation

• Gradual core and back strengthening: walking, gentle yoga, aquatic exercise

• Communicate regularly with healthcare team and report new/worsening symptoms promptly