Thanks for your question. This is indeed problem that many of us will face as we get older and certainly even in young patients this may occur. My only question to you is why you underwent the MRI? Was it for back pain or nerve symptoms in your limbs?
As a Sports/MSK physician, I believe that exercise is a essential. This will help keep the weight off, maintain your strength and hopefully limit the progression of your wear and tear (degenerative) changes in your back.
Depending on what your chosen sport/activity is, there maybe modifications that can be done to allow you to continue, or you might decide to look for others that do not place pressure on the back and allow you to remain active.
All in all, I would say yes - continue to exercise and continue to stay fit. This will be far more beneficial to you back rather than complete rest and not being active.
Hope this helps.
Bw
