Middle aged people with back pain often want to know what does having Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) mean for them being active? The answer really should be very little but often is more of an it depends situation. So let me explain further.

Degenerative disc disease is simply normal age-related changes. Though few are satisfied with age-related changes, so they decided to give it a negative sounding name. Basically, anyone over the age of 40 will show evidence of this. And most are able to be active without any hint of pain. But then there are those who happen to have pain. These folks will often get imaging which will show these changes and summarily get the blame. In actuality those changes were likely there for a long time without you even knowing. So the presence or not of these changes must not be the most critical factor.

So back to what does having DDD mean in terms of being active? Well, are you already an active person? If so, then continue. Yes, there may need to be some minor adjustments to your routine but know that activity and movement is good for the spine. For those who are not active, more finesse may be needed to help you to become active. BUT again, movement of the spine is healthy. Activity involving stress or strain on the muscles is necessary for spinal disc health.

The goal should be to include both cardiovascular exercise as well as strengthening to your exercise program. Ultimately whatever cardio you feel good with is fine, but preferably some weight bearing is advised. Weight bearing activity helps to promote nutrition of the spinal discs. This could be something as simple as walking. And the known benefits of strengthening are numerous but with respect to DDD, the stronger the muscles around the spine all the better.

But my doctor told me exercise was bad for my condition. Certain exercises may be, but all exercise NO. It is important to be active and get moving. Not sure what is safe or where to begin? Then click this LINK to speak to an expert. Learn what you can begin doing to enhance your comfort with physical activity.