Degenerative Disc?

[Wes Hines]

I was recently told that I have two degenerative discs in my lower back. I am a 23 year old male. I started lifting weights 5 years ago. I went to a spine specialist because I was having spurts of back pain that came and went over the course of this past year. Sometimes I have no pain at all and sometimes I have a tingling pain that shoots down to my legs. The doctor said it was most likely natural and not from the lifting. He also said there was no way to fix it and that I should "shy" away from heavy weights (I was pretty sure he was going to say that regardless)

I was trying to get stronger and I believe I hurt myself deadlifting (It wasn't until recently that I realized I have to deadlift with a slightly more narrow stance or else my back tends to round) At the time I was squatting 345, DL 355, and benching 250. I am 5'10" 180lbs. I've spoken with several people, my coach and doctor and I hear different opinions, one is that possibly the mri finding two degenerative discs may have been coincidence and that the pain is stemming from something else. I'm not sure never really had an actual injury from training before so I'm unsure of how I should continue. Am I still safe to barbell train? Or should I take a different approach? should I continue but lower the weights to a moderate level and focus on form until?

[Adam Franklin]

Starting Strength: Article