If you have dealt with neck or back pain before, then you’re probably aware that too much inactivity can actually worsen your symptoms and impede your healing process. Regularly engaging in exercise and gentle stretching can play a vital role in preserving a healthy spine and helping you recover from injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Certain exercises and movements should be avoided if you are living with degenerative joint disease or any other spine condition.

I have degenerative joint disease. What exercises should I avoid?

First and foremost, you should always discuss your symptoms and daily activities with your physician, who will be able to provide you with an individualized treatment plan and guidance about what things you should avoid. In general, however, most everyone with degenerative joint disease should stay away from high-impact exercises like:

• Running
• Lifting heavy weights
• Jump roping
• Jumping jacks
• Burpees
• Other exercises that involves jumping or running

Similarly, you’ll want to limit movements that place undue strain on your neck or back, if possible, including lifting heavy objects, bending over, twisting or standing for long periods of time.

Being diagnosed with degenerative joint disease does not mean you have to give up working out and staying active. As we’ve discussed, regularly strengthening the muscles that support the spine are key to maintaining a healthy neck and back. Just swap high-impact activities for low impact exercises, such as:

• Brief walks in comfortable shoes
• Stationary cycling
• Swimming and water aerobics
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Using an elliptical machine

If you are dealing with the symptoms of degenerative joint disease and conservative treatments and healthy lifestyle changes aren’t reducing your discomfort, then you may be a candidate for surgical care. USA Spine Care offers minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open spine operations that involve less risk, fewer potential complications and shorter recovery periods.^ Contact our team today to learn how we can help you Stand Tall.®

Be sure to ask us how to receive a free MRI review* to discover if you are a candidate for treatment at one of our world-class surgery centers.

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