Get DISC Patient Handbook

Pain medication and physical therapy can manage symptoms and help the body adjust to the damaged disc. Together, these treatments can relieve pain and improve function, often long term.

Degenerative disc disease pain does not tend to progress with age. While the discs will often continue to degenerate, the associated pain tends to subside. Generally by age 60 a degenerated disc will have stabilized and will usually not be painful.

High-impact activities like jumping jacks, plyometrics, and jumping rope can put excessive stress on discs and joints. Running can be jarring for the spine, especially if not cushioned properly. Consider low-impact alternatives like swimming, cycling, or elliptical training.

Foods and drinks to avoid sugary beverages, such as sodas. processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, and lunch meats. red meat, such as beef and pork. refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and crackers. sweets, such as pies, cakes, and cookies. saturated fat, such as fatty cuts of meat, lard, and palm oil.

This pain can range from nagging to disabling. The condition can be caused by the drying out of the disc over time, daily activities, sports and injuries. Treatment options include disc replacement, other surgical interventions, and nonsurgical options such as acupuncture, back graces and pain management.

It's Not Either/Or While patients often ask us if sitting or standing is better for their back pain, the answer isn't completely clear. It's not that one or the other is better. It's a matter of balance. Some studies suggest that it can be just as painful to stand for long periods as it can be to sit for too long.

As such, making an effort to improve your posture with the right ergonomic support and sitting alignment can go a long way. Generally, you'll want to sit with your back straight and the tops of your legs parallel to the ground.

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disk Disease Heavy lifting. Lifting heavy weights puts strains and stresses the disks in your back, especially when done frequently, such as for work. Overdoing it with alcohol. Excessive drinking raises your risk of back pain. Sitting for long periods. ... High impact exercise.