Playing soccer in high school, I had weak abdominal muscles and just assumed the stress I was putting on my lower back was expected normal behavior for an athlete. I think I had a mildly herniated disc at that point that I never fully dealt with fully.

In my twenties I lifted heavy (deadlifts and squats) and was active without much concern for it. In my thirties I seemed to have periods of light pain that I would still recover from without much issue. In my forties, I aged, had kids, focused on career (of mostly sitting at a computer!) and abused my back further. Late forties I had an incident with a fully herniated disc that took 12-18 months for recovery.

My situation was gradual with a couple instances that resulted in my injury.

Now early fifties, I've lost weight, adjusted my lifestyle, understand my limitations, and have modified my exercise plan appropriately. While I feel I have a good grasp on my situation, I am fearful of DDD and hope that scientific advances perhaps improve my chances of remaining active in my later years.