Boxing with Degenerative Disc Disease

Boxing with Degenerative Disc Disease: How Boxing Can Help Alleviate Back Pain

Disclosure:
The information shared is based on a client’s experience living with DDD. SydFit Health
Centre is not a licensed medical professional. Consultation with a healthcare professional
is recommended before engaging in high-impact sports

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Living with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or chronic back pain can be challenging.
Whether you’re experiencing occasional discomfort or daily pain, finding the correct form
of exercise that doesn’t worsen your condition can be difficult. While most people may not
associate boxing with back pain relief, boxing training and fitness can be a game-changer
for overall health and wellness.
In this blog, we’ll explore how boxing can help alleviate the symptoms of back injuries, the
science behind why it works, debunk some common misconceptions, and hear from one
of our clients who experience the effects of DDD. If you’ve been curious but hesitant to try,
keep reading, and we’ll explain how SydFit might be the perfect place for you!

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae in
your spine. Over time, these discs can wear down, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes
nerve problems. While the term “disease” might sound severe, DDD is often a natural part
of aging. For some people, DDD can lead to consistent lower back pain, limited movement,
or discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods. But here’s the good news: staying
active is one of the best ways to manage the condition.

How Boxing Training Helps Relieve Back Pain:
You might be surprised that boxing can help with back pain, but it’s true! Boxing, when
done correctly and under the guidance of professionals like the trainers at SydFit Health
Centre, offers several benefits for those suffering from DDD or back injuries.
1. Strengthens Core Muscles
One of the leading causes of back pain is weak core muscles. Your core muscles
include the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles, all of which help
support your spine. Boxing training focuses heavily on engaging and strengthening
these core muscles. During boxing, you’ll perform moves like punching, dodging,
and ducking, all of which require balance and stability. Over time, this helps to build
a stronger core, leading to less strain on your back.
2. Improves Posture
Good posture is essential for those with back problems. Poor posture puts
unnecessary pressure on your spine and can make the pain from DDD worse.
Boxing requires proper posture while you move and throw punches. Instructors at
SydFit Health Centre will help you perfect your stance, which can improve your
posture outside of the gym and relieve strain on your back.
3. Increases Flexibility and Mobility
One of the common symptoms of DDD is stiffness in the back. Regular boxing
training includes dynamic stretches and movements that help increase your
flexibility and range of motion. A more flexible spine can alleviate pain by allowing
your body to move more fluidly without causing stress on the affected areas.
4. Encourages Weight Loss
Excess weight can contribute to back pain by placing additional stress on your
spine. Boxing is a great cardiovascular workout that helps you burn calories, lose
weight, and take some pressure off your lower back. Regular training sessions at
SydFit will keep you moving and sweating, making weight loss achievable for
long-term back pain relief.
5. Boosts Endorphin Production
Living with chronic pain can impact your mood and overall well-being. Boxing is
great for your body and mind. Exercise, including boxing, releases endorphins, the
body’s natural pain relievers. These endorphins can help reduce pain perception,
giving you a much-needed mental and physical break.

Common Concerns About Boxing with DDD:
Even with all the benefits, it’s natural to have some concerns about starting a boxing
training program if you suffer from DDD or lower back pain. Let’s address some common
problems.
“Won’t Boxing Make My Back Pain Worse?”
It’s understandable to worry that the high-energy movements in boxing might
exacerbate your back pain. However, at SydFit Health Centre, boxing classes are
designed to be safe and effective for people of all fitness levels. The trainers are
experts at modifying exercises to suit individual needs. They’ll guide you through
exercises that avoid sudden, jarring movements and focus on controlled, smooth
motions that strengthen and protect your back.
“Isn’t Boxing Too Intense for Me?”
Boxing might seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never tried it before. But
boxing training doesn’t have to be about getting into the ring and sparring. At
SydFit, the focus can be on fitness, form, and movement without the pressure to
compete. Your workouts will be tailored to your abilities, and you’ll progress at your
own pace. Many people with DDD or back pain find boxing to be a fun,
stress-relieving activity that helps them get stronger without feeling overwhelmed.
“I Don’t Want to Risk Injuring Myself Further”
Safety is a top priority at SydFit Health Centre. The trainers take the time to
understand your condition and adjust your workouts accordingly. They’ll help you
learn proper techniques to protect your body and avoid putting unnecessary strain
on your back. As a result, you can enjoy the benefits of boxing without the fear of
injury.

Christann’s Story: Overcoming DDD with Boxing at SydFit:
When Christann was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), she feared that her
active lifestyle would come to an abrupt halt. Everyday tasks became painful, and finding a
fitness routine that didn’t aggravate her condition seemed nearly impossible. “I would
always say, ‘I’m young, I’m strong, I can handle it.’ But I’ve slowly started to regret that as I
age,” Christann shares. Having worked physically active jobs since she was 14, her body
eventually began to feel the toll.
By 2018, Christann began experiencing pain in her hips, which she initially thought was
sciatica. However, by 2020, the pain had worsened, spreading down her leg and causing
numbness. After undergoing an MRI, Christann was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc
Disease in her lower spine, affecting her L4 and L5 vertebrae. “Since the spine is your
body’s central support system, any damage can affect other parts of your body, explaining
the pain in my legs and hips,” she says. With surgery not being an option due to her age,
she was left managing the pain through physiotherapy and medication. Despite this, she
faced frequent flare-ups that affected her work and overall well-being.
After being introduced to Syd Vanderpool for a communications project, Christann was
invited to join the SydFIT community, where she experienced firsthand how boxing could
transform her life. In October 2023, she began personal training sessions at SydFIT, and
the results were life-changing. “I lost weight and built strength in my back, something I
never expected,” Christann shares. “The most rewarding part has been the reduction in
flare-ups, allowing me to rely less on medication. With just 1-2 hours of weekly training, I
feel stronger, more confident, and in control of my health.”
For Christann, boxing has been more than just a workout—it has given her the tools to
reclaim her active lifestyle and well-being. “I recieve so many compliments from friends,
family and co-workers about how my entire lifestyle has shifted since I started boxing. I
can’t thank SydFIT enough for helping me reclaim my best self.”

Try SydFit Today!
If you’re struggling with Degenerative Disc Disease or chronic back pain, boxing could be
the solution you’ve been looking for. Don’t let the fear of trying something new hold you
back from experiencing relief and getting stronger. At SydFit Health Centre, you’ll be in the
hands of experienced trainers who will customize your workouts to help manage your
pain and improve your overall well-being. Contact SydFit Health Centre at 180 St. Leger St.
in Kitchener or visit SydFIT Today! to start your journey toward a more muscular, pain-free
back!