Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a term used to describe the changes that occur in the spinal discs over time due to wear and tear. It’s important to understand that “degenerative” here refers to the cause of these disc changes – gradual deterioration – and not necessarily that your pain will continuously worsen. These discs are vital cushions between the vertebrae of your spine.
Your spine, or vertebral column, is composed of 33 vertebrae, categorized into the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back) regions. Between each pair of vertebrae lies an intervertebral disc. Imagine these as shock absorbers: each disc has a tough, fibrous outer layer and a softer, cartilage-like core. In a healthy spine, these discs provide cushioning and allow for a wide range of flexible movement.
However, as we age, these discs naturally change. They can become dehydrated, thinner, and develop cracks. The soft inner core of the disc can bulge or even herniate, pushing through the tougher outer layer. Degenerative disc disease is the broad term encompassing these age-related disc changes.
It’s very common for spinal discs to show signs of degeneration as people get older. In fact, by age 35, around 30% of individuals will exhibit disc degeneration at one or more spinal levels. This number increases significantly with age; by 60, over 90% of people will have some degree of disc degeneration visible. It’s crucial to remember that degeneration itself is a normal part of aging and doesn’t automatically mean pain. When disc degeneration does cause pain and other symptoms, it is then classified as degenerative disc disease. Diagnosis typically involves physical examinations and imaging tests like MRI to visualize the discs. Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of symptoms and can include pain management techniques, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
