What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative Disc Disease is one of the most common causes of low back and neck pain. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on spinal disc. Spinal discs are rubbery cushions between your vertebrae (bones in your spinal column). They act as shock absorbers and help you move, bend and twist comfortably. Everyone’s spinal discs degenerate over time and is a normal part of aging.
Several factors can cause discs to degenerate, including age. A healthy spinal disk contains about 80 percent water. As we age, the disc dries out and does not absorb shocks as well. Daily activities and sports cause tears in the outer core of the disc which contributes to disc degeneration over time. Finally, a history of injury or trauma, such as a car accident, can accelerate the progression of degenerative disc disease.