“I Have Arthritis in My Back, Should I Stop Moving?” Not So Fast.

At Optimum Chiropractic Clinic, we often hear questions like this: “My scan says I have disc degeneration. Should I stop lifting?” Or: “I’ve been told I’ve got arthritis in my spine. Did my job do this?”

The short answer? Probably not. And more importantly, you likely don’t need to worry as much as you think.

Let’s talk about some of things with evidence of causing disc degeneration, and why movement is still your best friend, even if your spine doesn’t look perfect on a scan.

Your Spine's Appearance Is Largely Written in Your DNA

A major research project known as the Twin Spine Study followed hundreds of identical twins over many years. Why twins? Because they’re nature’s perfect experiment, genetically identical, yet often with very different lifestyles and jobs.

Some worked physical jobs. Some sat at desks. Some smoked or drove trucks. Others exercised regularly. Then, researchers compared their MRI scans to see who had more disc degeneration.

What did they find?

Even when one twin lifted heavy things all day and the other didn’t, their spine scans were remarkably similar.

In fact, genetics explained up to 60% or more of the differences in disc degeneration. Occupational loading? Whole-body vibration from driving? Exercise habits? These things had significantly less impact on whether someone developed disc changes compared to genetics.

What You See on a Scan Doesn’t Always Equal Pain

The study also confirmed what many chiropractors and musculoskeletal therapists have observed for years: Many imaging findings don’t predict symptoms very well.

You might have:

• Disc bulges

• Degeneration

• Osteophytes (bone spurs)

…and still feel great. Meanwhile, someone else with a near-perfect scan might struggle with chronic back pain. This disconnect can be confusing — but it's also reassuring.

You are not your MRI.

So What Does Influence Pain? Your Lifestyle.

Here’s the paradox: while your genes largely decide what your spine looks like on an image, your day-to-day movement, physical fitness, overall health and mindset matter a lot when it comes to how your back feels.

• Healthy levels of physical activity don't cause degeneration.

• People who are stronger, move more, and have greater muscle endurance tend to have fewer back pain episodes.

• Those who fear movement (or avoid it altogether) often do worse.

  
  

In other words — just because your back looks “older” on a scan doesn’t mean you have to feel that way.

What This Means for You

If you've been told you have “degenerative disc disease” or “spinal arthritis,” try to take a step back. These are common findings and they don't necessarily mean anything is broken or doomed.

In fact:

• You can’t change your genes or erase arthritis, but you can get stronger, move better, and become more resilient.

• Your job probably didn't 'damage' your back. Even heavy lifting or long driving hours were only weakly linked to changes in disc structure.

• Movement is safe, and helpful. Your spine, like the rest of your body, adapts to use. Routine physical loading might even have benefits for disc health.

  
  

Our Advice? Keep Moving Without Fear

At Optimum Chiropractic Clinic, we support a shift away from fear-based messages about back degeneration. You're not fragile. You’re adaptable. You’re capable.

Whether you lift weights, chase kids, or sit at a desk, your spine thrives on movement, not stillness.

So if you've been given a scary-sounding diagnosis, or told to stop doing the things you love, come chat with us. We’ll help you make sense of your spine, reduce pain, and move with confidence again. Book an initial appointment here with us today.