Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can affect any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). Where you have pain will depend on what region of your spine has the disc degeneration.

Generally, people with degenerative disc disease have chronic back or neck pain. Sometimes, though, pain will flare up—that’s called an acute episode. The main symptom, though, is pain, so you should pay attention to it and what makes it better or worse.

With DDD, you may notice pain patterns such as:

More pain when sitting for a long time, bending, lifting, or twisting
Less pain when walking or running
Less pain if you change positions frequently
Less pain when you lie down

It’s important to treat your back pain properly. Seek medical attention if your pain persists—and seek immediate attention if you have any of the emergency signs listed below.

Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help

Pain is getting worse
Disabling pain
Leg weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling
Loss of bowel or bladder control

Exercising with Back Pain

One of the most frustrating things for many back pain sufferers is that it (the back pain) interferes with their ability to exercise…and that exercise often times makes the back pain worse. And the funny thing is…the right kind of exercises are probably one of the best things one can do to cure back pain. And most will agree that regular exercise (especially the right kind) actually helps prevent back pain in the first place.

So what gives…how can exercise cause back pain and prevent it…and be both good and bad when you have back pain?

All of us are different, and we develop a certain level of tolerance for exercise based on how often we do it and what we do. If we deviate from these established routines, the body will adapt, often times in a negative way.

Is there a solution?…YES. The solution is to consider this variable when you engage in physical activities that are outside of what you would normally do on a day to day basis. If you walk a mile a day…then all the sudden walk ten miles…you will most likely get really sore. But if you walk a mile, then two miles, then 3 miles…and work your way up to 10, stretching before and after, and using ice in between, well chances are really good you will handle it no problem.

Same is true when exercising with back pain you already have. You want to start off really slow…maybe with some stretches and back pain exercises…then build up the amount of frequency, intensity, and duration, slowly over time. A good chiropractor, physical therapist, or personal trainer can help you do this…or you can do it on your own using common sense and these tips.

Usually, when exercise makes a patients back pain worse, it’s because they did too much, or the wrong kind of exercise. You don’t want to jump right back into your normal “pre-back pain” workout with back pain. You want to take a few steps back and scale back into it…slowly. Otherwise, yes…you can make the back pain worse.

Icing should be a big part of exercising with back pain. I recommend you ice for 15 minutes before and after exercise. I also recommend you stretch out for 5 minutes before and after…nice and easy…no sudden jerky motions.

Then…when your back pain is gone and you are feeling better…consider adding “core” exercises to your routine to make your back stronger and better able to handle increased work and stress.

Back Pain Sufferers Turn to

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Six Surprising Everyday Habits that Are Hurting Your Back

Chronic neck and back pain are common, but what most people don’t realize is that everyday bad habits can be making your pain worse.

Your muscles are used to the constant slouching and other bad patterns you’ve developed, which can eventually lead to pain. But taking better care of your back is easy once you replace your bad habits with healthy ones.

1. You Don’t Have a Healthy Diet:

Eating healthy is a great way to help you manage your weight—and your pain. Not only will eating a balanced diet make your heart healthier, but it can also help reduce inflammation, which can trigger pain.

2. You Live in High Heels:

It probably comes as no surprise to you that high heels make this list, but they really do force your back to arch, which makes the muscles in your back work overtime.

High heels also throw off your balance big time. Consider wearing more comfortable shoes instead—your back will thank you.

3. You Have Poor Posture:

Years of poor posture can really do a number on your back. Whether you’re on your feet or hunching over your computer all day, it’s hard to find relief from your pain.

If you’re stuck at a desk all day, get up from your chair and take a break for a few minutes every half hour to do some stretches. Also, sit at a 90-degree angle to help relieve some of your pain.

4. You Don’t Stretch Regularly:

Stretching may ease back pain better than other exercises like running or strength training because doing stretching decreases your stress levels.

Increased stress levels can actually trigger chronic pain. Through different poses and breath work, stretching helps to promote deep relaxation, which can help your mind—and your back—feel at ease.

5. You Sleep on an Old Mattress:

If you wake up with back pain every morning, then that’s probably a sign that it’s time to get a new mattress.

Old mattresses can cause you to wake up with aches and pains because they don’t offer the support you need to keep your back in proper alignment. Consider replacing your mattress every 10 years.

6. Your Backpack or Purse is Too Heavy:

The B.C. Chiropractic Association recommends that your backpack or purse weigh no more than 10% of your total body weight. Any more than that and it could be hurting your back badly.

In addition to cleaning out your backpack or purse, try to switch off which shoulder you carry it on. If you always wear the strap on your right shoulder, your shoulders become unbalanced, which can make your back pain even worse.

A SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

SUCCESS STORY

“I previously had disc surgery in my lower back but a year later I was diagnosed again with a disc herniation at the same level. I looked for an alternative treatment this time around.

The DRX was instrumental in providing me relief. From the very first session, the numbness in my left toes was gone and I stopped my pain medication from the very first session. I would recommend the DRX treatment program to anyone with the same condition.”

-BILL O. (North Vancouver, BC)

Individual Patient Results Vary.