The Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease is the natural ageing process. As we age, our spinal discs gradually lose water content, reducing their ability to cushion the vertebrae.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) affects the spinal discs, causing them to lose their flexibility, strength, and ability to function as effective shock absorbers. Over time, the discs in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) naturally degenerate due to ageing, but certain risk factors can accelerate this process, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Understanding the primary causes of degenerative disc disease is essential for early intervention and effective treatment of degenerative conditions.
One of the most common causes of degenerative disc disease is the natural aging process. As we age, the spinal discs gradually lose moisture, making them less effective at absorbing shocks from daily activity like walking, sitting, or performing repetitive movements. This results in a loss of disc height, reduced flexibility, and an increased risk of disc herniation.
Frequent movements that require bending and twisting your spine, especially in physically demanding jobs or sports, can lead to early disc degeneration. Over time, repetitive stress weakens the disc structure, causing tiny tears in the outer layer, leading to pain and inflammation.
A sudden fall, car accident, or heavy lifting injury can accelerate the wear and tear on spinal discs. Even if symptoms do not appear immediately, a past spinal injury may contribute to disc degeneration over time.
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing degenerative disk disease at an earlier age. If you have a family history of spinal conditions, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing disc degeneration.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen. Similarly, a poor diet lacking vitamins and minerals weakens the spine’s ability to repair itself, leading to premature disc degeneration.
Excess weight places additional stress on the spine, particularly on the lumbar spine, which supports most of the body’s weight. A sedentary lifestyle with limited physical therapy or exercise can weaken the muscles surrounding the spine, leading to poor posture and increased disc strain.
