Spinal discs act as shock absorbers and allow movement, but degeneration can cause them to leak fluid, thin, and bulge. Degenerative disc disease can cause pain and misalignment of the spine, leading to discomfort in other parts of the body.
Spinal discs are soft discs that sit between the vertebrae, which are interconnected bones of the spine. These discs are compressible and function much like shock absorbers, providing cushioning against impact to the spine as a person moves. They also allow the spine to flex and bend, so a person can move in a variety of different directions. Disc degeneration is the rupture of spinal discs; they can become dry, less elastic and worn out. This happens as a normal part of aging, but some people also develop degenerative disc disease, which is worse than typical disc degeneration.
When discs degenerate, they can leak fluid. As fluid leaks from a disc, it becomes less flexible. It is also less capable of absorbing shocks. This fluid loss causes the discs to thin and narrow, which brings the vertebrae closer together.
Sometimes small cracks form in the spinal discs and tears can develop as well. This happens in the outer layer of the disc. Inside the disc is a jelly-like substance. When cracks and tears form in a disc, the gel-like material actually starts oozing out of the center of the disc, causing the disc to bulge. In some cases, the disk may also fail.
Besides aging, there are other things that can lead to disc degeneration. For example, a serious injury, such as a fall or car accident, can cause a disc to herniate and begin to degenerate. 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 also more prone to this condition.
For some people, disc degeneration doesn’t cause pain. However, as discs deteriorate, other conditions can arise that can cause discomfort. For some, disc degeneration results in back pain that can be occasional or chronic. Others experience severe pain.
Ordinary disc degeneration becomes degenerative disc disease when spinal discs degenerate unevenly. This results in misalignment of the spine, which can cause pain in surrounding nerves and muscle inflammation. It can also lead to stiffness in the area. Pain caused by degenerative disc disease can affect other parts of the body besides the back. It can also contribute to pain in the neck, arms, legs and back.
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