Degenerative disc disease is a medical condition in which the spine’s intervertebral discs begin to degenerate or break down. Symptoms include pain in the back or neck, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, and stiffness in the spine. Cycling can be a good exercise for people with degenerative disc disease.
It is low impact, so it is unlikely to cause further damage to the discs, and it also helps to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help reduce pain. However, it is essential to speak to a doctor before beginning any exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Degenerative disc disease is a “disease of aging”, that is, a disease related mainly to age.
Prevalence of degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease is a fairly common condition, especially as people age. It is estimated that around 40% of adults over 40 have some form of degenerative disc disease.
What are the causes of degenerative disc disease?
Several factors can cause disc degeneration, including age. Specific factors include:
- The drying of the disc. When we are born, the disc is about 80% water. As we age, the disc becomes drier and absorbs shocks with more difficulty.
- Daily activities and sports cause ruptures in the outer core of the disc. By age 60, most people have some degree of disc degeneration. Not everyone at that age has back pain, however.
- Injuries may cause swelling, pain, and instability. This may result in lower back pain.
Degenerative disc disease symptoms
Degenerative disc disease can appear silently without symptoms. For this reason, it is common for patients to seek help only after the condition worsens.
Among the symptomatic patients, pain in the back of the neck or lower back is one of the main signs. In some cases, this discomfort may radiate to the arms, legs, and buttocks or may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation.
Other symptoms may include headaches, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving or bending the spine.
- Pain in the back or neck
- Pain that radiates down the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of coordination
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Stiffness in the spine
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty moving or bending the spine
Differences between herniated disc and degenerative disc disease
Herniated discs and degenerative disc disease involve the spine, but they are different. A herniated disc occurs when the outer ring of the disc tears, allowing the disc’s inner core to protrude out of the disc.
In contrast, degenerative disc disease is when the spine’s intervertebral discs begin to degenerate or break down.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing degenerative disc disease begins with a thorough physical exam. The doctor will examine your back for flexibility, range of motion, and the presence of signs that suggest your nerve roots are being affected by the degenerative changes around you.
This often involves testing your muscles’ strength and reflexes to ensure they are still functioning normally. You will frequently be asked to complete a questionnaire asking where your symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness occur.
A series of x-rays is also usually ordered for a patient with back pain. If degenerative disc disease is present, x-rays will often show a narrowing of the spaces between the vertebral bodies, which indicates the disc has become too thin or has collapsed.
Bone spurs can also form around the edges of vertebral bodies and also around the edges of spinal joints (facet joints).
In many situations, doctors will order an MRI or CT scan to assess degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging is beneficial for determining whether a herniated disc is present and seeing where the nerve roots are being compressed.
Is cycling good for degenerative disc disease?
Cycling can be a good exercise for people with degenerative disc disease. It is low impact, so it is unlikely to cause further damage to the discs, and it also helps to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help reduce pain[1]Johnston TE. Biomechanical considerations for cycling interventions in rehabilitation. Physical therapy. 2007 Sep 1;87(9):1243-52.. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before beginning any exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Exercise is important for people who suffer from chronic pain, as it can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase overall well-being. Regular exercise can help build strength and flexibility, reducing the frequency and intensity of chronic pain[2]McLeod WD, Blackburn TA. Biomechanics of knee rehabilitation with cycling. The American journal of sports medicine. 1980 May;8(3):175-80..
Additionally, it can help reduce stress and mood, which can also help reduce pain.
Cycling benefits
Cycling can be a beneficial exercise for people with degenerative disc disease, as it is low-impact and can help to strengthen the muscles around the spine.
Additionally, cycling can help to reduce pain and improve mobility, as well as improve overall well-being.
Standard bike training programs for pain management
Common bike training options for pain management include interval training, strength training, and endurance training. Interval training involves alternating between short periods of high-intensity exercise and low-intensity exercise.
Strength training involves using resistance to build muscle strength, and endurance training consists in riding at a sustained pace for a more extended period. Speaking to a doctor before beginning any exercise program is essential to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Low-impact exercises – rehabilitation for spine pain
Low-impact exercises for neck pain include gentle stretching and range of motion exercises, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, swimming, walking, and cycling.
All these exercises can help build strength and flexibility in the neck and upper back muscles, which can help reduce pain. Speaking to a doctor before beginning any exercise program is crucial to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Cycling is a great exercise option for people with chronic pain, as it is low-impact and can help to build strength and flexibility in the body. Additionally, it can improve circulation, help to reduce stress and anxiety and increase overall well-being. It is important to speak to a doctor before beginning any exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual.
Other treatment options
Treatment will depend on the degree of degeneration and symptoms. It usually includes physical therapy, exercise, and pain and anti-inflammatory medications. In cases where non-surgical therapies do not solve the problem, surgery may be necessary.
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.