8 Things to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

Navigating life with degenerative disc disease can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what activities and habits to avoid. To minimize symptoms it’s important to know what to avoid with degenerative disc disease. 

Living with degenerative disc disease means being mindful of your daily choices, from physical activities to dietary habits. This condition, which impacts the discs in your spine, can lead to discomfort and mobility issues, making certain activities more harmful than beneficial. Our guide aims to shed light on these critical aspects, offering you insights and recommendations to help manage your symptoms effectively.

Let's explore the essential things to avoid with degenerative disc disease, and empower you with the knowledge to make informed choices for your health and well-being.

Top 8 Things to Avoid with Degenerative Disc Disease

Living with degenerative disc disease requires an awareness of activities and habits that could worsen your condition. Here are some key things to consider:

#1 Heavy Lifting

Lifting heavy objects puts immense strain on your spine. It can aggravate the discs, leading to increased pain and discomfort. Opt for lighter loads and use proper lifting techniques to protect your back.

#2 High-Impact Sports

Activities that involve running, jumping, or other high-impact movements can jar your spine and exacerbate DDD symptoms. Consider low-impact alternatives like swimming or cycling that offer exercise without the harsh spinal impact.

#3 Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Staying in one position for too long can stiffen your spine and worsen pain. If your job or daily routine involves prolonged sitting or standing, take regular breaks to move around and stretch.

#4 Poor Posture

Slouching or incorrect posture can put extra pressure on your spine. Be mindful of maintaining a neutral spine position, especially when sitting for long periods.

#5 Smoking

Smoking can reduce blood flow to the spine, slowing down healing and exacerbating disc degeneration. Consider cessation programs if you're a smoker.

#6 Inappropriate Exercises

While exercise is beneficial, certain types can put extra strain on your discs. Avoid exercises that involve heavy weight lifting or extreme bending or twisting of the spine.

#7 Excess Body Weight

Excess body weight puts additional pressure on your spine. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce the strain on your discs.

#8 Ignoring Pain

If certain activities cause pain, listen to your body and avoid them. Pushing through pain can lead to further injury and prolonged recovery times.

Remember, each individual’s experience with degenerative disc disease is unique. Consulting with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan is crucial for effectively managing your condition. By avoiding these harmful activities, you can better manage your symptoms and lead a more comfortable life.

Managing Flare-Ups in Degenerative Disc Disease

If you’re already in the position of exacerbated symptoms, in addition to the things to avoid with degenerative disc disease, there are a few things you can do to cope.

Here are some strategies to help manage these episodes:

Rest and Reevaluate Activities

During a flare-up, it's important to take it easy. This doesn't mean complete bed rest, but rather a temporary reduction of activities that aggravate your symptoms. Listen to your body and avoid movements that increase pain. Consult the list of things to avoid with degenerative disc disease.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat can help relax your muscles and increase blood flow, which can be soothing during a flare-up. On the other hand, cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Alternating between heat and cold may provide relief.

Gentle Stretching and Exercise

While it may seem counterintuitive, gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like walking or swimming can help. They keep your muscles flexible and strong, which is essential for supporting your spine.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Mind-Body Techniques

Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can help manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany flare-ups, aiding in pain reduction.

Consult Your Doctor

If your symptoms drastically worsen or don’t improve, it's important to consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest other treatments or adjust your current management plan.

Remember, each individual's experience with degenerative disc disease is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to find a balance that works for you and to always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Degenerative Disc Disease & The Disability Tax Credit

Now that we've covered things to avoid with degenerative disc disease, let's cover something that may be news to you.

Did you know, depending on the severity of your condition, you might be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit in Canada? This tax credit is designed to provide financial relief for individuals whose daily lives are restricted by a disability.

The eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit hinges on how degenerative disc disease impacts your ability to perform basic tasks like walking, dressing, or carrying out other daily activities. At True North Disability Services, we specialize in helping individuals with conditions like degenerative disc disease to navigate the Disability Tax Credit application process. 

Our team ensures that your application thoroughly details the impact of degenerative disc disease on your life, advocating on your behalf for the best possible outcome. By leveraging our expertise, you can focus on managing your health while we handle the complexities of the Disability Tax Credit application for you.

Reach out to our team for more information, we offer free consultations.