From the Research
For someone with a history of degenerative disc disease (DDD) and a resolved herniated disc with radiculopathy, I strongly recommend avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, extreme bending, twisting, and heavy lifting to minimize the risk of recurrence and promote optimal quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the importance of careful postural management in patients with a history of lumbar disc herniation. Key recommendations include:
- Limiting sitting to 30-45 minutes before taking a short walking break
- Bending at the knees rather than the waist when lifting, keeping objects close to the body and avoiding weights over 20-25 pounds
- Maintaining neutral spine positions during daily activities, avoiding excessive forward flexion, hyperextension, and rotational movements
- Sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, preferably on the side with a pillow between the knees or on the back with a pillow under the knees
- Using proper ergonomics at workstations with lumbar support, and incorporating regular, gentle stretching and core strengthening exercises These recommendations are supported by the study 2, which highlights the importance of minimizing pressure on intervertebral discs and reducing mechanical stress on spinal structures to prevent recurrence and promote optimal quality of life. Additionally, the study 1 notes that patients with large annular defects are at a higher risk for recurrent herniation and revision surgery, emphasizing the need for careful postural management in these patients. Overall, by following these recommendations, individuals with a history of DDD and resolved herniated disc with radiculopathy can reduce their risk of recurrence and promote optimal quality of life 3, 4, 5.