Top 3 Exercises for Degenerative Back Pain & Sciatica (Stenosis, DJD and DDD)

Degenerative changes in the spine are the second most common cause of lower back pain and sciatica that we see in the clinic.

This type of pain is quite a bit different than a bulging disc. People with degenerative pain tend to have increased pain with bending backwards and prolonged standing, and they tend to feel better with bending forward and sitting.

If you think you back and/or sciatica pain is caused by degenerative changes, the 3 exercises in the video are a great way to start experiencing some pain relief.

Please leave a comment or question below. Thanks for watching!

- Luke Gordon, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy & Owner of Gordon Physical Therapy

[SumitSiwach]

I have lower back pain. I have been diagnosed with mild DDD in L6-S1. I started doing a desk job about 6 months now and it's getting worse. It comes and goes. I can feel pain all the way till my foot on a bad day but usually it's in back and sometimes goes to calf. Any suggestions for me???

[tahsenhossain]

Sir i don't have DD in my MRI but i have back pain for many days.But i feel better after knee to chest, double knee to chest and leg rise exercises.What is the reason? But it hearts when extension exercises.

[lauraharris]

I have DDD in my lumbar ! I can’t stand walk long and bending backwards hurts me more. What else can I do? Waiting to have surgery til I’m a little older. It’s debilitating some days:(

[toriwolf]

Hi just found your channel I have DDD newly diagnosed just wanted to know if wearing a waited vest will cause it to be worse? Or can I use ankle wieghts? Need to learn to do different exercises now, I do have osteoporoses lol and I flip tires do 70 lb dead lifts to but now need to stop all of that with this new thing going on in my spine, drs I try and stay away from if I can I’m a raw diet person lots of juicing ect tried all the meds made me very sick so now I eat extremely well have made my bones change for the better . Just my experience .

[sweetsally]

I'm sorry to inform you but these stretches are detrimental, for people with osteoporosis . No forward bending what so ever is advisable .