degenerative disc disease

AAOMPT: ‘Degenerative Disc Disease’ Not a Diagnosis

degenerative disc disease

Normal process of aging, group argues

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) has released a position statement opposing “degenerative disc disease” as a diagnostic term for the cause of neck and back pain.

Publicly announcing its position during last week’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida, AAOMPT instead recommends that patients seeking care for spinal pain undergo a comprehensive examination to rule out serious medical conditions.

“Degenerative disc disease is a commonly used term to diagnose an age-related condition that happens when one or more of the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column changes shape and size,” says Elaine Lonnemann, president of AAOMPT. “These changes are a normal process of aging and not linked to a disease. The use of the term ‘disease’ to diagnose these changes misinforms patients and may lead to unnecessary treatment. We believe that this term does more harm than good.”

Nonpharmaceutical and noninvasive treatments including physical therapy should be the first line of care for patients that do not improve initially on their own. In the absence of trauma or other systemic health concerns, practice guidelines indicate that imaging studies for patients with low back pain are not necessary before a thorough trial of conservative therapy is completed.

AAOMPT says patients often react to the label ‘degenerative disc disease’ by losing hope and seeking more invasive and higher-risk treatments. They avoid beneficial physical activity for fear that exercise and movement will worsen their condition, possibly leading to chronic pain. The majority of spinal pain is self-limiting and can be managed appropriately without the need for medications or risky procedures such as injections or surgery. For those individuals who do need care, AAOMPT supports and encourages early physical therapy instead of high-risk procedures and medication. AAOMPT strongly recommends that clinicians avoid using the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease.

SOURCE: PR Newswire