Moderate L5/S1 disc degeneration in early 50s, is worth seeking advice about?

[EndlessSeaViews]

Over the last few years due to some health issues I’ve had a couple of mri scans and a ct scan. These picked up a couple of incedental findings which included moderate disc degeneration in the L5/S1 area.

Because this wasn’t the reason for the scans it was just mentioned and never discussed. However, I do suffer from some lower back and hip pain/aches. I was also born with hip dysplasia and I am quite hyper mobile even at 53.

I am wondering if this is something I should look into and get advice about? Is it likely to get worse over the years and is there anything I can do to prevent it worsening or will it just stay the same? I try and keep active, walk a lot, slim and I don’t smoke/drink etc so do all I can to stay fit and active.

Does anyone have experience with disc degeneration? Is it a normal finding for someone in their early 50’s?

I'd say that's probably a perfectly normal thing to see on an MRI for your age. Normal age related changes. It sounds like you look after yourself well so I would just continue as you are. This is why scans are not always helpful (obviously you had yours for a reason) but they can often cause unnecessary worry.

As someone who had the same diagnosis at 45 because of trapped nerves causing pain in my knee... im close to 50 now and do t generally get 'back pain' more the nerve pain connected to the knee periodically.

There is little they can do beyind pain killers except risky ops to fuse discs /rods either side of your spine etc that they will do at any point its necessary - and you dont want before then.

Id recommend physio or a PT to make sure you are doing the right kind of exercise - or actually not the 'wrong type' and ignore it till it actually hurts.