DDD is mostly an age-related process, so it can’t be prevented entirely.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended.

Strength trainingand lifting are important for preserving the spine, especially back and core (abdominal) muscles.

Senior couple walking in the woods hand in hand

Sidekick / Getty Images

Biking and swimming are great options foraerobic exercise.

With age, people lose muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia.

Water-based workouts can reduce the load on your spine and joints.

Most communities offer water exercise classes at different skill levels.

Your healthcare provider will complete an exam, likely with imaging studies, to diagnose DDD.

Mindful Body Mechanics

Employing proper body mechanics while moving is essential towards overall joint health.

Poor form increases strain on joints and the surrounding muscles.

It also limits the body’s ability to build and maintain bone.

Some studies identify permanent damage in heavy smokers.

Even if people stop smoking, they recover only 75% of the normal function.

The smoking habit may also make your back pain worse.

In general, its believed that smoking increases pain perception, though this is still being studied.

Avoid Vibration

Studies have demonstrated degenerative disc changes in people whose occupations keep them exposed to vibrations.

These groups include truck and tractor drivers, as well as bus operators.

Certain vibration frequencies reduce the fluid cushion and increase stress on spinal bones.

Losing the extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight can help you to manage DDD symptoms.

In some studies, vitamin D is associated with a lower fracture risk.

Talk with your healthcare provider aboutacupuncture, massage, and other alternative therapies.

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle by engaging in daily mobility work as well as aerobic exercise.

you might strengthen your body with activities such as lifting, bodyweight exercises, Pilates, or band work.

Improving your diet can help you to fuel your body with healthy foods.

Hospital for Special Surgery.Degenerative disc disease.

Ann Med Surg (Lond).

2022 Apr 15;77:103619. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103619

Restivo J. Harvard Health Publishing.Effective exercises for building a strong back.

National Institute on Aging.How can strength training build better bodies as we age?

American Council on Exercise.Smart goal setting guide.

Harvard Health Publishing.Degenerative disc disease: Managing this common cause of back pain.

2019 Dec;73(6):421-424. doi:10.5455/medarh.2019.73.421-424

University of California San Francisco Sports Medicine Program.Mckenzie Back Program.

2020;12(1):61-69. doi:10.1177/2192568220948031

NYU Langone Health.Surgery for degenerative disc disease.