Degenerative Disc diagnosis: Is it the death sentence for my racquetball and basketball career?

I am an avid racquetball and basketball player and have been involved in athletics for over 30 years of my 36 years alive.  About 6 months ago, I had a back pain flare up in my left lower back that typically would surface once every 5-6 years or so.  I did what I normally did during a flare up which is stop ALL athletic activities and wait it out.  After I did that this most recent time I thought I was fine, but found out a bulge in the disc caused my left calf to go dead.  I went to the Spine Institute and the doctor indicated I had a degenerative disc.  His prognosis and recommendation is that I NEVER play any type of sport with uncontrolled movements again.  I would like to know if I eliminate basketball could I play racquetball once a week and prolong the ability to play this sport without permanent damage?  Or, is there some type of therapy or medicine that can be helpful to give me the opportunity to play?  Any answers would be helpful.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, the idea behind restricting activity is to limit the strain at the spinal level that could further degenerate or worsen the condition. If you feel you can control your spinal movements during racquetball and not get aggressive, you could go ahead. However if in doubt, it would not be worth taking the risk.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!