What is disc degeneration?
The discs of the spine are soft discs that are located between the vertebrae, which are interlocking bones of the spine. These discs are compressible, and they work much like shock absorbers, providing cushioning against impact on the spinal column as a person moves. They also make it possible for the spine to flex and bend, so that a person can move in a variety of different directions. Disc degeneration is the breaking down of the spinal discs; they may become dry, less elastic, and worn. This happens as a normal part of aging, but some people also develop disc degenerative disease, which is worse than typical disc degeneration. When discs degenerate, they may lose fluid. When fluid leaks out of a disc, it becomes less flexible. It is also less capable of absorbing shock. This fluid loss even causes the discs to thin and narrow, which puts the vertebrae closer to each other.
