[QUOTE=ray_killeen;65593]I am not a medical doctor; I offer you my experience:
I?m 54 years old; in my late twenties I had my first lower back issue, laid me up for a weekend. I always pushed my body hard; home projects, play and the gym, in hindsight too hard. Throughout my 30?s this issue reoccurred, say 4-6 times per year getting progressively worse and more frequent towards my 40?s. I started an ashtanga vinyasa asana practice at age 40, 5 times a week. For the first 24 months each week I developed a new body ache or pain that would eventually resolve itself, the back issue would pop up once in a while. Eventually no other physical activities triggered the back except the occasional asana practice, then gradually over the next 5 years it became far less frequent/debilitating, there was a 4 year period without any issue and since then perhaps twice a year mild episodes that require taking it easy for a day or two then back to normal. During this time I also modified my diet drastically; no wheat, no dairy, minimal processed foods; my allergies improved dramatically and it seemed body inflammation improved, I began a daily Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM tablet supplement. When I turned 50 family talked me into going to the doctor for a checkup. Doc did the common test and asked if I had any complaints, I mentioned the occasional low back thing, he suggested x-rays I suggested cutting to the chase MRI, he agreed. Well you would have thought I had advanced staged cancer the way he brought me into the office showed me the imaging, obviously there is nothing left between my L4, L5 & T11 the disc are completely degenerated. I also run 2.5 miles 3 times a week it has a calming effect for me. Doc said never run again and stop doing yoga asana. I didn?t like his answer especially since I figured asana helped fix my pesky back issues so I did my own research, low back issues are complicated. Long and short of it some people have none or minor problems upon complete disc degeneration, some have extreme pain. Dangerous warning signs; tingling, numbness any neurological symptoms take them seriously; muscle soreness or inflammation alternate compresses; cold 20 minutes heat 5. I met a spinal surgeon long distance runner with severe degenerative disc disease, when I told him what the family doc said his advice was to find another doctor. Sure seems to me the asana strengthens my core, maintains proper alignment and improves body awareness, I?m open to the idea nadis were unknotted, gross/subtle bodies etc. perhaps, the diet and supplements helped?
It?s hard to believe any doc would not suggest rehab these days, which will most likely include asana style stretching and strengthening? I suggest another opinion, self education and further exploration into the other 7 rungs of yoga especially pranayama, noting an ashtanga vinyasa asana practice is extremely demanding check out some other asana flavors and routines.[/QUOTE]
Your story gives me hope 
I have an obsessive, ruminating mind and I was already thinking about the day I wouldn’t be able to practice yoga asanas due to a degenerated spine. You have reminded me that even what looks like the worst may not be the worst.
I have an obsessive, ruminating mind and I was already thinking about the day I wouldn’t be able to practice yoga asanas due to a degenerated spine. You have reminded me that even what looks like the worst may not be the worst.