What is a Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. The disc is a jelly-like cushion between each bone of the spine which act like shock absorbers between each vertebrae. They are mostly made up of water, allowing them to be very elastic and absorb stress. However, age, repetitive strain, and (possibly) genetics can cause disc degeneration. Because there is little blood supply to the disc, it cannot repair itself if injured. As a worn disc becomes thin, the space between the vertebrae decreases. With less space available, nerves may become compressed, causing them to swell and signal pain. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region). What symptoms are characteristic of degenerative disc disease? Degenerative disc may result in back or neck pain, but where the pain occurs depends on the loc
