Degenerative Disc Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

According to NeurologyChannel.com, degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs between the vertebrae start to lose their moisture and the surrounding elastic covering starts to crack. It can be the result of a number of different causes.

Aging

• Cedars-Sinai Hospital indicates that aging is one of the primary causes of degenerative disc disease. It is the natural process of the wear and tear of time causing a loss of nutrients to the discs.

Acceleration

• Playing sports or being engaged in other activities that put additional stress on the spine and the discs can help to accelerate the onset of degenerative disc disease.

Genetics

• SpineUniverse.com indicates that there may be a history of degenerative disc disease in your family that will cause you to be pre-disposed to contracting the condition.

Lifestyle

• Smoking can help to decrease the moisture and nutrients in your discs, and over time this can lead to the breakdown of the outer shell of the disc.

Herniated Disc

• One of the direct results of degenerative disc disease is a herniated disc. This is when the outer shell of the disc breaks down and allows the inner jelly-like material of the disc to protrude out. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves and cause tremendous pain.