The discs of the spine are soft discs that are located between the vertebrae, which are interlocking bones of the spine. These discs are compressible, and they work much like shock absorbers, providing cushioning against impact on the spinal column as a person moves. They also make it possible for the spine to flex and bend, so that a person can move in a variety of different directions. Disc degeneration is the breaking down of the spinal discs; they may become dry, less elastic, and worn. This happens as a normal part of aging, but some people also develop disc degenerative disease, which is worse than typical disc degeneration.
When discs degenerate, they may lose fluid. When fluid leaks out of a disc, it becomes less flexible. It is also less capable of absorbing shock. This fluid loss even causes the discs to thin and narrow, which puts the vertebrae closer to each other.
Sometimes small cracks form in the spinal discs, and tears may develop as well. This happens in the disc’s outer layer. A substance with a similar consistency to jelly is found inside the disc. When cracks and tears form in a disc, the jelly-like material make actually start to seep out of the disc’s center, causing the disc to bulge. In some cases, the disc may rupture as well.
Besides aging, there are other things that can lead to disc degeneration. For example, a serious injury, such as a fall or car accident, may cause a disc to become herniated and begin degenerating. Those who are obese and people who lift heavy objects for a living may be more prone to developing degenerative disc disease. Cigarette smokers are more prone to this condition as well.
For some people, disc degeneration doesn’t cause pain. However, as the discs deteriorate, other conditions may result, which can lead to discomfort. For some, disc degeneration translates into back aches that may be occasional or chronic. Others experience severe pain.
Ordinary disc degeneration becomes degenerative disc disease when the spinal discs degenerate unevenly. This results in the misalignment of the spine, which can cause pain in the surrounding nerves and muscle inflammation. It can even lead to stiffness in the area. Pain caused by degenerative disk disease may affect other parts of the body in addition to the back. It may also contribute to pain the neck, arms, legs, and rear end.
