Is Spinal Degeneration Normal?

Most people’s spinal discs degenerate over time. By the age of 35, approximately 30% of people will show evidence of disc degeneration at one or more levels. By the age of 60, more than 90% of people will show evidence of some disc degeneration.

Degeneration itself is normal

, and does not necessarily cause pain.

What can be done for spinal degeneration?

Physical therapy

can help stretch and strengthen the right muscles to help the back heal and reduce the frequency of painful flare-ups. Lifestyle modifications, such as changing your posture, losing weight or giving up smoking, can sometimes help reduce stress on the damaged disc and slow down further degeneration.

Can you reverse spinal degeneration?

Answer: Unfortunately,

there’s currently no cure for degenerative disc disease

, and once you’re diagnosed with DDD, it’s typically a lifelong journey of learning to live with back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms. Once your discs begin to degenerate, you can’t really reverse the process.

Is degeneration of the spine normal?

Everyone’s spinal discs degenerate over time and

is a normal part of aging

. When the cushions wear away, the bones can start to rub together. This contact can cause pain and other problems, such as: Adult scoliosis, where the spine curves.

Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?

If the disc herniates in the direction of the spinal cord or nerve root, it can cause neurologic compromise. Disc herniations in the cervical spine

can be serious

. If significant enough, they can cause paralysis of both the upper and lower extremities, though this is extremely rare.

Does drinking water help degenerative disc disease?

Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with

the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain

.

Does walking help degenerative disc disease?

Aerobic

exercise.

Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or taking a low-impact aerobics class, has been shown to help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility—all important factors in managing DDD.

Is sitting bad for degenerative disc disease?

Sitting puts you at a

higher risk

for sciatica, a herniated or slipped disc, degenerative disc disease, and of course lower back pain. Sitting with your hips and legs in a bent position causes joints, ligaments, and muscles to be under constant pressure and adds tension to your spinal discs.

Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease?

Can you live a normal life with degenerative disc disease? The answer is

yes

, even it forces you to be out of work for an extended amount of time. Do not give up. There are many methods of pain relief that you can do at home that can help you live a normal life.

Why is disc degeneration so painful?

Pain associated with degenerative disc disease generally stems from two main factors:

Inflammation

. Inflammatory proteins from the disc space interior can leak out as the disc degenerates, causing swelling in the surrounding spinal structures.

What causes degeneration in the spine?

Degenerative spine conditions involve the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, but may also be the result of tumors, infections or arthritis. Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by degeneration can be caused by:

Slipped or herniated discs

.

How should you sleep when you have degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease

Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred

, as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.

What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?

• Stage 1. The first stage of degenerative disc disease may go unnoticed by the individual but can be identified by a chiropractor or other medical professional. …
• Stage 2. …
• Stage 3. …
• Stage 4. …
• Chiropractic Adjustments. …
• Spinal Decompression.

How did I get degenerative disc disease?

Degeneration occurs because of age-related wear-and-tear on a spinal disc, and may be accelerated by

injury, health and lifestyle factors

, and possibly by genetic predisposition to joint pain or musculoskeletal disorders. Degenerative disc disease rarely starts from a major trauma such as a car accident.

How can I prevent degenerative disc disease from getting worse?

1. Keys to Preventing Degenerative Disc Disease.
2. Live an Active Life and Include Exercise.
3. Use Good Form and Employ Body Mechanics.
4. Stop Smoking or Better Yet, Don’t Start.
5. Get to and Maintain Your Ideal Weight.
6. Balance Manual Labor and Being Sedentary.
7. Take a Dietary Approach.

What vitamins are good for degenerative disc disease?

Vitamin D

is essential along with weight-bearing exercises, calcium, magnesium, and overall good nutrition for strong healthy bones. Disc degeneration. The shock absorbing discs in the spine are made of collagen. There are chemical receptors for vitamin D on these discs.