Does anyone on here still race with DDD? I have a one dis in my lower back that's significantly degenerated.. I'm often in a lot of pain but still ride.. Are there any tricks to help you continue racing and not be in too much pain? Would a back brace help? 

Lots of Advil and stretching

I do.  Massage, stretching, chiropractics, keeping my core fit and Cosamin DS.  I wear a back brace to limit the torque to my back when I am making a run but I don't wear it routinely.  I was told to build through my core, not support through a brace.

I don't have DDD but I use to have the absolute worse low back pain.. it would leave me bed ridden for days, had to take muscle relaxers and lots of chiropractic visits only offered a little relief. I decided one day to try yoga and that was the game changer for me. It's amazing how many aches and pains disappeared from my entire body after only a few days of really stretching my hips and hamstrings out and focusing on strengthening my core. Im a firm believer in yoga. I use to be a gym rat ... but I'm gonna say doing yoga has been way more effective and made me so much stronger than pushing weights. Using your own body weight is highly effective. I'm stronger now in my 40s than I was in my 30s ... I can actually do full push ups and go straight into a plank pose .. its kinda cool 

I have DDD and have my L5S1 disc slipped. Very painful and sometimes I can't even get out of bed. I had surgery on the slipped disc so that has helped. I do say keeping your core tight is number one! Yoga is going to be your best friend along with monthly chiropratic appointments. I ride 6 days a week along with competing at races. If I do those two things I can keep the pain undercontrol. Good luck! 

Oh man! Sounds painful! Yes! My doctor also recommended yoga! Is there a certain yoga session on youtube you might use and can recommend? Thank you so much for the encouragment and advice! 

Thank you so much! Wow, that's reassuring. I'm in my mid 30's.. I am definitely working on core strength. Thank you for the encouragment that I can make this work!