How Clinical Pilates Can Help with Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Mobility & Pain

Neck pain can make even simple daily activities uncomfortable. If you've been diagnosed with cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) with an x-ray or MRI per your doctor, surgery is not necessarily the only option.

​Fortunately, many people find lasting relief through conservative treatment, including physical therapy and Clinical Pilates.

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Understanding Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae separated by discs that act as cushions between each bone. Over time, these discs naturally lose hydration, leading to degeneration. This is most commonly at the C5-C6 and C6-C7 vertebrae. This degeneration that occurs over time will lead to arthritic changes of joints themselves, creating further complications.
Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Loss of mobility
• Muscle tension

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How Clinical Pilates Helps

At Pilates Santé, our physical therapists and Clinical Pilates specialists develop individualized rehabilitation programs designed to:

• Improve posture and spinal alignment
• Reduce compression of the cervical spine
• Strengthen the deep muscles of the neck
• Improve scapular control and stability
• Build core strength to better support the entire spine

For some clients, gentle cervical traction may also be incorporated to help reduce pressure on irritated nerves and improve comfort before exercise.

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Pilates-Based Exercises for
Cervical DDD

Following a thorough evaluation, your therapist or Therapeutic Pilates instructor may incorporate:
1. Cervical Chin Nods
Improve activation of the deep neck stabilizers while promoting proper cervical alignment.

2. Bear Planks
Strengthen the core, shoulders, and neck stabilizers while encouraging spinal elongation.

3. Quadruped Scapular Isolations
Improve scapular control while reducing unnecessary tension throughout the neck.

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Further Symptom Management:
​The Neck Hammock

The neck hammock gently supports the head while applying a light stretch to the neck. This helps reduce pressure on the joints and discs, allows tight neck muscles to relax, and can improve mobility.

For some people, this temporary decompression may help relieve neck stiffness, muscle tension, and mild neck pain. You can purchase this tool on Amazon here.

Are you ready to begin feeling better?

Cervical degenerative disc disease doesn't have to keep you from living an active life. With individualized physical therapy and Clinical Pilates, many people can reduce pain, improve posture, restore strength, and return to the activities they love.
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If you're experiencing neck pain, headaches, or radiating arm symptoms, our expert team is here to help.

Call Pilates Santé at 408-335-6670 to schedule your initial evaluation and learn more about how the combination of Pilates and physical therapy can help improve your quality of life.