When your spine deteriorates it's called degenerative disc disease.
Although it's called degenerative disc disease it's not actually a disease but instead degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the discs that are between your vertebrae in the spine break down as a result of use and age.
The discs between the vertebrae and your spine act as cushions and shock absorbers and when they degenerate it can then cause pain, stiffness and other problems.
Degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging although it can also be caused by other factors including injuries.
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease include back pain or neck pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, stiffness, pain that worsens with activity and pain which can improve with rest.
Some people with degenerative disc disease find that laying down or even changing positions can relieve their pain.
And activities such as sitting, bending or twisting can also worsen the pain with degenerative disc disease.
Reduced flexibility and mobility of the spine and nerve compression that is caused by the degeneration of the discs can cause numbness or tingling in your extremities.
Back or neck pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease and can range from mild to severe pain.
Aging is the most common cause of degenerative disc disease in which the discs lose water and elasticity and leads to degeneration of the discs.
Trauma and injury to your spine can also accelerate the disc degeneration.
Being obese or overweight can also put extra stress on the discs and cause disc degeneration.
And repeated heavy lifting or twisting can damage the discs.
Even smoking can reduce blood flow to the discs and impair the healing and accelerate the disc degeneration.
Diagnoses for degenerative disc disease include a physical exam to assess the symptoms, pain and muscle strength and tests such as X rays, CT scans or MRIs can help the doctor visualize the discs and identify any degeneration.
Treatment for degenerative disc disease include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy and pain management as well as corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation and pain and in severe cases surgery can be necessary to repair or fuse your spine.