6 Risk Factors for Degenerative Discs (& How to Stop It)

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals 6 risk factors that can lead to degenerative disc disease (DDD). Most of these risk factors can be avoided.

At the end of the video you'll learn 9 things you can do to stop degenerative discs and maintain a healthy spine.

Studies referred to in this video:

[ovwryur]

You have to watch. It's very interesting and helpful. But here are the topics.
1. Smoking
2. Heavy lifting/carrying.
3. Lack of physical activity.
4. Type 2 diabetes.
5. High BMI.
6. Age.
Btw, "lift and twist" is a killer. No lie.

[esterkahingunga]

I suffered for a long time with back pain on my right side, arthritis on the spine neck pain. I took note thank you for your advice.

[magpie]

Those of us working in the care industry are at very high risk. Although there is equipment that can help move people, the truth is helping people to stand and moving them will take a toll on your back. I don't know a single nurse from my cohort who does not have back pain at one time or another. The thought of working until nearly 70 is criminal.

[lindaabraham]

Something you did not mention, but please consider, is the effect of sitting in or standing on machines that vibrate... for example, on a boat, or in a car. Truck drivers especially are known to have back problems, as well as kidney disease. I also think that the many years that I rode a bicycle everywhere, often on rough roads or sidewalks with uneven breaks in the surface, contributed to the problems I have had since the age of about 58. Probably all-terrain vehicles are also a danger, no matter how great the suspension is.

[niahoward]

New sub. Luv your channel. Clear and concise, thanks.

[stephanieaquin]

You are really good and super helpful. Thank you. I am so sad to have to listen to "over 50 " stuff, I am just 51, very active, lean and fit, but now have an herniated disk (MRI). I have life long hormonal disbalance that may have impacted my muscular and bone mass building, along with family history of degenerative diseases... I listened to all your videos 😁 and applying all the good recommendations. I will see the doctor in 2 weeks and would like to get your opinion on surgery. Can we recover and heal from an herniated disk (slipped)? I would not want to get surgery if it can self-heal.
I have none of the risk factors... except age?! can too much high impact exercises have been a problem.

Thank you!!!!

[joseenoel]

Thank you, you've always great info! I try to watch my back (61 yrs), when it starts to feel tight I lay down for a few and it passes, I can't understand those who push it!

[susanhawkins]

I inherited degenerative disc disease from my father… however had 4 discs in my 30’s removed & life was beautiful until my 60s .. now in my 80s unable to walk without a walker because kept falling …never overweight. Had physical therapy & will continue..

[alloverdaplace]

I'm dealing with this awful issue and disc bulge.. I'm an athlete that actively competes and this has stopped all that for months, 😭😭nothing seems to work PT, sauna, deep tissuex chiro, stretching.. Nothing

[franklinkeeley]

As a career truck driver that also would do my own unloading for the exercise I've 2 disk in my neck and 5 in my back. I'm now disabled and 45lbs below my normal body weight which is not ideal by any means

[patricialatt]

I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and degenerative discs 12 years ago at 50 years old. I had spinal surgery with a discectomy and laminectomy. Currently lifting weights for my health. Is this a bad idea?

[mwasy]

Thanks - great advise - am wondering about youth vaping effects compared to smoking

[cynthiahale]

Hi, I’ve just found your videos and really enjoying your presentation. I’ve had 3 fusions in my lower back & after about a year developed pain in the right side of hip & down my right leg to where it gets pins & needles most of the time. In order to walk I have to be hunched over and I wonder if there is some back brace to help me stand up straight. I’ve had reverse surgery on left shoulder & was due to have reverse surgery on right side but due to heart issue & my age it can’t be done. Maybe in your recommendation you could take that in to consideration. I’ve worked with a physical therapist so I’m trying to do most of the exercises you mentioned. I’m sorry this is such a long comment but I live in a rural GA town & it’s hard to get help & treatment. I’m eighty years old and I’m in a lot of pain & I’m told to go home and take Aleve I’m so frustrated because I have a ton of energy and mentally still very sharp. Thank for your time and keep up the old work.

[suchitajain]

I had severe and sharp nerve pain from Spondylolisthesis from the past 5 weeks when walking and bending mainly in my right leg. Pain was in my buttock (lower)and calf (side of the calf). The pain has reduced 50-60% and now I don't feel any sharp pain but muscle pain in my calf. Is muscle pain instead of nerve pain a sign that it is getting better or is it a sign of it getting worse ?

[jps]

I think its weird that when I round my back like thorax lumbar change point my pelvic and lower back pain are much better. I have done years lower back, gluteus, legs but finally when I focus on rounding myself in middle back it helps becuase it always feels so stiff and hard to breath

[AnnemarieMytka]

I have stenosis, my muscles are always tight, in my neck and legs arms, can you please give me advice thank you Annmarie 😢

[raewise]

Thankful i quit smoking in 2001! But the housecleaning biz is getting to me....

[joseenoel]

"Brilliant advice" back pain is absolutely crippling!