Stairs don't contribute to DDD. But, they do help when it comes to keeping muscles toned and a little weight off. Although falling down the stairs could contribute to the condition of your back worsening. My dr restricted me from stairs when the pain got severe and nerve damage occured. But, the restriction was out of concern about my falling. It had nothing to do with the stairs making the pain or other symptoms worse.

I am not sure if it makes it worse, but I cannot walk up my stairs from my basement without severe pain in my back and legs. I cannot really do more than a couple of stairs anywhere without pain.

Thank you both for your replies. Apparently it does not seem to contribute to the condition, but definitely contributes to the pain when there is a flair up. Maybe not enough data for me to move. Thank you again.

I agree with the other replies, as it depends on your situation. I have to avoid stairs because of the severity of my condition, as I have fallen many times on stairs and caused further damage to my spine. After the initial fall, I was not treated properly by the doctors, and the subsequent falls caused me damage to my spine that all treatments so far have not made better.

If you are able to manage stairs, then moving may not be an issue for you. However, you may find that over time, your condition changes and moving may be needed. If your pain is severe enough at this time that negotiating stairs makes it difficult for you to walk or stand, then you may need to consider moving. Whatever you decide, it is about being able to get around as easily as you can, but also safely.

Oh Hun, I live in a 3rd floor apartment. I have to climb 3 flights of stairs every day. I also have DJD in my knees and hips. It is a real effort to climb to stairs, but my doctor tells me that I need to keep moving in order to keep the joints lubricated. Even the spine has synovial fluid between the vertebra which is the lubrication. Please keep moving.

Its a little late, but I have to tell you, anything that is not a completely flat surface is not my friend. My most severe DDD is in L-5-S1, while it may not be making it worse or contributing, it is a real issue for me.
I can not take but a few steps before I go into bad muscle spams in my low back, excruciating usually. Additionally, inclines are the same. I can walk for a maximum of just under 3 miles leisurely on a FLAT surface, any incline at all and I end up in horrific pain, in spasm and once it is set off, I then can't just get back to flat ground and be ok, I end up with exacerbation of my pain. So, for my own quality of life I avoid steps everywhere I possibly can, because these symptoms break through my pain medication as well. However, I do love my home and I have stairs down to our Master Bedroom Suite. I try to limit how often I go down, and I try to combine trips if possible and get every taken down or up and everything done once I've done the deed and taken the steps. Someday are better than others, but not by much.

Thought I would share my experience. ~Amy

I really appreciate all your input. Sometimes we feel alone and it's meaningful to know we are not.