The disc that are found between the vertebral bodies of the spine acts as a shock absorber. The center of these disc has a high water content and contain a substance with the consistency of gelatin. As the center of the disc, The Nucleus Pulposus, and the outer band, the Annulus Fibrosus, age and deteriorate the ability to act as a shock absorber decreases. The degenerating disc loses height which allows the vertebral bodies to move closer together. Eventually ligaments become lax which leads to joint instability.
Chronic low back pain accompanies Degenerative Disc Disease. Pain from degenerative discs can start as early as the twenties. Pain is worse when getting up in the morning and after long periods of riding in a car or sitting. Coughing, sneezing, bending or prolonged standing can aggravate the lower back pain.
I’m Steve Taylor, Physical Therapist, of Southern Physical and Occupational Therapy Services
Moving You To A Pain-Free Lifestyle
