The Dos & Don’ts of Living With Degenerative Disc Disease In The Neck

Living with degenerative disc disease in the neck can feel like an ongoing battle. Managing daily activities with a condition that impacts your spine and neck, both crucial for everyday movement, is undoubtedly challenging.

However, there are ways to cope and manage this condition. In this article, we'll guide you through the “Dos and Don’ts” of living with degenerative disc disease in the neck – essential tips and practical advice to ease your symptoms. Additionally, we'll spotlight valuable disability resources that may provide further support and assistance.

By adopting certain strategies, individuals living with degenerative disc disease can find relief and improve their quality of life, turning a challenging condition into a manageable part of their daily routine.

10 Tips For Living With Degenerative Disc Disease In The Neck

The practical strategies below are designed to ease your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and empower you to manage the condition with confidence.

✅ DO Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Diet plays a crucial role in managing inflammation, a key factor in degenerative disc disease discomfort. Incorporate foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties and healthy fats into your meals. Options like salmon, nuts, strawberries, blueberries, and ginger not only nourish your body but also help combat inflammation, potentially easing your symptoms over time.

✅ DO Embrace Low-Impact Exercise

Incorporating low-impact exercises into your routine is crucial for strengthening the muscles and structures supporting your spine. Activities like swimming, walking, or yoga can improve mobility and reduce the symptoms of degenerative disc disease without overburdening your neck.

✅ DO Promote Better Posture

Proper posture isn't just about looking good; it's essential for reducing the strain on your spine, particularly when you have degenerative disc disease in the neck. Use ergonomic chairs that support your back and ensure your workstation is set up to keep your legs parallel to the ground and your back straight. Making these adjustments can significantly alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage.

✅ DO Consider Resources Like the Disability Tax Credit

If you are living with degenerative disc disease in the neck and the condition significantly impacts your daily living, looking into financial support like the Disability Tax Credit can be a very smart move. This credit is designed to help those living with substantial and prolonged disabilities, providing financial relief that can cover various costs associated with managing degenerative disc disease. Some folks may receive up to 40k in retroactive credits from the CRA if they’ve been affected for some time. 

✅ DO Seek the Help of a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are invaluable allies in managing degenerative disc disease in the neck. They can develop personalized exercise programs that specifically target your symptoms, improving your strength, flexibility, and pain levels. Through expert guidance and tailored therapy sessions, physical therapists provide techniques and strategies that can significantly enhance your daily function and comfort.

❌ DON'T Stop Moving

While it might be tempting to avoid activity when you're in pain, staying sedentary can worsen symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Regular, gentle movement and stretching can help keep your joints flexible, reduce pain, and improve your overall well-being.

❌ DON'T Skip Out on Treatment

Ignoring or delaying treatment can lead to increased discomfort and potentially more severe damage. Follow through with prescribed treatments and regularly consult with your healthcare provider to best manage your condition. Don’t skimp on any physical therapy homework! 

❌ DON'T Overuse Your Neck

Be mindful of activities that put excessive strain on your neck, such as prolonged computer use or constantly looking down at your phone. Take regular breaks to stretch and adjust your posture to help prevent neck pain. Listen to your body’s quiet nudges before it starts to “scream” at you. 

❌ DON'T Smoke

Smoking not only harms your overall health but also restricts blood flow to the discs in your neck, contributing to pain and degeneration. Quitting smoking can improve blood circulation and support the health of your spine.

Closing Thoughts On Living With Degenerative Disc Disease In The Neck

In navigating the complexities of living with degenerative disc disease in the neck, embracing these guidelines can illuminate the path toward a more manageable and fulfilling life. By promoting better posture, indulging in anti-inflammatory foods, engaging in low-impact exercise, avoiding sedentary habits, and seeking the expertise of a physical therapist, you're not just managing symptoms—you're taking proactive steps to enhance your overall well-being.