Anyone with disc degeneration?

[Grownyourownway]

I had a ct scan in 2019 and one of the incidental findings was “mild disc degeneration of the L5/S1 area”.

Tbh, I was concentrating on the actual reason for the ct scan so didn’t give the disc degeneration much thought as my doctor said it was just one of those things.

Then in December 2023 I had a pelvic mri and the disc degeneration was noted again but this time it says it’s ‘moderate’ degeneration.

I do suffer from lower back ache and am 51 and aware these things often come with age but I’ve always kept active and have a low bmi etc so wondering if there is anything I can actually do about this, will it get worse over time, is it just one of those things we get into older age?

Has anyone any experience of this? Is there anything I can do to prevent it from moving forward from a moderate?

At 51 i would be asking for a Dexa scan to check your bone density.

Menopause is when my bone density fell off the cliff and without wanting to worry you, I now have full and rapidly worsening Osteoporosis.

I have been told I should have been on HRT to try to prevent the decline, but it wasn’t picked up early enough.

As I understand it Dexa scans are not routine in all geographical areas unless you are displaying symptoms. So you need to ask. The scan is easy and if you do have bone density issues there are treatments to try and slow bone decline.

Definitely get bone density checked.

Fredsinthebed justasking111

I am on a waiting list for a dexa scan as my mum has osteoporosis. It’s taking a long time though.

Fredsinthebed I can’t take hrt as I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and the oestrogen makes my pain worse. I’m at the beginning of a year long wait for a laparoscopy and excision surgery. My life these days is stuck on long NHS waiting lists!

Sorry you are going through this.

I have experience but not many answers, I'm afraid.

Was diagnosed with Early Degenerative Spine Disease around ten years ago at 40.

It's caused further changes and issues in multiple areas of the spine.

Have had multiple interventions - steroid injections - and two major surgeries.

In my understanding after ten years, there is nothing you can do to specifically affect the structure or the spine.

What you can do is work on supporting the spine as much as possible - so low impact exercise that strengthens your core, primarily.

Generally, the healthier and fitter you are, the longer you can slow the degradation of the spine.

A physio would be a good resource to teach you the best exercises to take pressure off the spine.

I had a disk burst(slipped disc) 10 years ago. This is thought to be one of the most painful things you can experience. After the initial recovery I had a scan and was told this would be a degenerative condition. The only reason for it was not looking after my back and bad posture/lack of core strength.
I have gone in hard on the Pilates/yoga for back exercises and am very careful not to do anything that might cause back pain. So no gardening, no heavy lifting etc etc
I had a scan recently and the consultant was surprised to tell me my back was actually in better condition than it had been 5 years ago.
So yes there are things you can do but it isn’t the work of a moment.

Thanks Luckingfovely I do try to keep as fit and healthy as possible. I keep my bmi low and walk a lot but I do need to work on my core strength more. I would like to try pilates, I need to look into that.

CatWeekly that does sound excruciatingly painful. I think that I need to put some thought into the future and how to protect my back more especially now I’m very 50 and things creak and groan a lot more than they ever did!
I definitely need to work on my core and possibly look into a new career as my job involves quite a bit of heavy lifting, it’s not a particularly back friendly way to earn a living.

I was diagnosed with Degenerative disc disease at 32!

A fit half marathon runner single mum of 2 and worked full time ...
Just be aware of your body and pains or numbness in legs; head and arms they can be referred pain from your back and neck.

Did you get back to running after that diagnosis @Lizzyanneart ? Really curious as I have disc issues currently and am a keen runner.

I'm afraid not I had complications shortly after my operation and I have other health conditions that prevent me running too. I think it's down to the individual get a good physio and keep a strong core. 😊

I’m so sorry to read that. Thanks for responding. Definitely going to up core work and see how things go then I guess.

They buried my mum's friend today. Late fifties she was in a wheelchair, she took up yoga graduated from the wheelchair, took up pilates. Started teaching Pilates which she taught until she was 90.

Wow that's inspirational 😊

@Grownyourownway hi I have the same issues in exact same place and wondered how you have got on? Mine seem to change sometimes is better some times worst which makes me think it is linked to my hormones.