Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs within the spine begin to deteriorate and cause pain and other symptoms. Along with other forms of degenerative disc disease treatment, exercise is typically recommended to help minimize back pain. More and more individuals are finding that water exercises are an excellent option, as water provides both resistance to help strengthen muscles and buoyancy to minimize the impact on joints.

Water exercises to help with back pain

Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a local water aerobics class that’s specially designed for individuals with back pain and spine conditions like degenerative disc disease. If not, or if you prefer doing exercises individually, here are a few water exercises you can try on your own:

• Knee to chest. While standing on one leg, lift the other leg so that the knee meets the chest. Then switch and lift the other knee to the chest. It helps to hold onto the edge of the pool to help with balance and stability.
• Leg raise. Similar to the first exercise, you’ll stand on one leg and lift up the other one. The difference is that you’ll keep the leg you’re raising straight and won’t lift it as high.
• Walking. Walking from one edge of the pool to the other in chest-deep water can provide a great low-impact workout. It’s gentle on the knees while providing a great strengthening workout.

As with any other exercises, it’s important to listen to your body when doing any water exercises and to stop any exercise that causes excessive pain. You can consult with a physician or a physical therapist to discuss other water exercises that may be particularly beneficial as part of your degenerative disc disease treatment.

How USA Spine Care can help

If water exercises and other conservative treatments for degenerative disc disease are not effective in minimizing your symptoms, your physician may recommend that you consider surgery. At USA Spine Care, our surgeons are highly experienced in performing minimally invasive spinal procedures to treat patients with various spine conditions. If you would like to find out if minimally invasive surgery is the right option to treat your degenerative disc disease, contact USA Spine Care today for a no-cost MRI review.*

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