Did you know that disc degeneration affects more Americans than you might think?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), also commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease, is one of the most widespread spinal conditions affecting millions of Americans today. It can lead to disc bulges, herniations, or ruptures. Despite these similar-sounding names, they all point to the same underlying issue: the gradual breakdown of the cushioning discs between your vertebrae.

The Staggering Stats

The numbers surrounding DDD are eye-opening. Research shows that by age 20, approximately 37% of people already show signs of disc degeneration on imaging studies–and believe me, I see this almost every day in my office. This percentage dramatically increases with age – by 50 years old, about 80% of people have some degree of disc degeneration. For those over 40, approximately 40% have at least one degenerated vertebral disc, and this number jumps to 80% by age 80.

According to recent Medicare data analysis, the overall prevalence of spine degeneration has increased from 24.2% in 2005 to 30.1% in 2017, highlighting this growing health concern. The Wakayama Spine Study found that more than 90% of both men and women over 50 years old show signs of disc degeneration.

The Root Cause: Lack of Motion

One of the primary contributing factors to degenerative disc disease is lack of motion in the joints. Your spinal discs are unique structures that don’t have their own blood supply. Instead, they rely on movement to receive nutrients through a process called imbibition – essentially, they need to be “squeezed” like a sponge to exchange fluids and nutrients.

When joints remain static or immobile for extended periods, this vital nutrient exchange process is compromised. The discs begin to dehydrate, lose their elasticity, and gradually break down. This is why prolonged sitting, sedentary lifestyles, and poor posture contribute significantly to disc degeneration– an unfortunate increasing normality in our modern-day lives. Sitting is the new smoking.

The Science Behind the Solution

Research published in peer-reviewed journals consistently demonstrates the relationship between spinal motion and disc health. Studies have shown that traditional treatment concepts aimed at limiting motion in the lumbar spine may actually be counterproductive. Instead, maintaining and restoring proper spinal motion appears to be key to preventing and managing disc degeneration.

The scientific evidence supports that degenerative changes in spinal discs are manifestations of metabolic disturbances, with physical loading and movement patterns playing crucial roles in disc health maintenance.

How to Prevent DDD

The good news is that DDD is largely preventable through proactive measures:

1. Regular Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper joint motion and alignment, ensuring that your spinal segments move through their full range of motion. This movement is crucial for maintaining healthy disc nutrition and preventing degeneration.

2. Daily Spinal Movement

Making sure you move your spine daily is essential. This doesn’t require intense exercise – simple activities like:

• Gentle spinal stretches (cat-cows, child’s pose, and touching your toes)
• Walking
• Changing positions frequently throughout the day (alternate from sitting to standing if you work at a desk)
• Going to the gym or playing a sport
• Taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting

These activities help maintain the pumping action necessary for disc health and prevent the stiffness that contributes to degeneration.

---

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until pain becomes your daily companion. With over 266 million individuals worldwide diagnosed with lumbar degenerative spine disease yearly, the time to act is now! By incorporating regular chiropractic care and daily spinal movement into your routine, you’re investing in your long-term spinal health. Click here to schedule a chiropractic exam if you are local in the Charleston, SC area. If you live out of state, leave a comment below and I can connect you with a chiropractor near you!

Remember, your spine is designed to move. Keep it healthy, keep it mobile, and keep yourself pain-free for years to come.