Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] i have a minimal to moderate disc disease at C4-C5, produces minimal central canal stenosis and up to moderate left foraminal stenosis. question: can I continue swimming ( free style ). Does this bulging get worse as you age and how can you stop it from getting worse
[|AI|]  Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! Regarding your concern, I would explain that swimming does not usually worsen this clinical situation. Correcting your posture is the best way to stop the progression of this disorder. You should avoid weight lifting and straining physical activity. A cervical collar can help for the pain time after time. But, as this condition is progressive and can cause gait difficulty and pain in the future, it is necessary to periodically follow up with cervical MRI and consult with your neurologist or spinal surgeon. Surgery would be the only way to definitely solve the problem. Hope to have been helpful! Wishing all the best,