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Disc Degeneration
The pain from disc degeneration is from several possible causes. Proteins in the disc sometimes leak out as the disc dries and shrinks. There is moderate support for the idea that these proteins can irritate the spinal nerves. Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely? No. Far too many of us have this condition and do not show any symptoms.

Another speculative cause of disc degeneration pain makes much more sense. When the disc shrinks down, the outer disc walls no longer extend to the edges of the vertebrae. This allows for less cushioning and possible incidences of bone to bone contact. Over time, this may cause bone spurs and other conditions, such as
osteoarthritis.
Depending on a person's individual anatomy, the disc may or may not still cushion the vertebrae enough to prevent symptoms. This might explain why most people do not suffer symptoms, but some do…
Is It Really Degenerative?
Most people that suffer with
degenerative disc disease
(DDD) symptoms are in their 30s. The majority of symptomatic people actually feel better as they get older.
SUPPOSING...
Leaking proteins cause nerve root irritation, and therefore pain. The theory is that by the time we are in our 50s to 60s, the proteins are all gone and the pain starts to fade. If bone spurs and osteoarthritis are the cause, the theory is that the area has built up enough bone spur formation to actually stabilize it. Either theory might make sense, but I am not convinced.
Recommendation for Disc Degeneration Pain
I have this condition. Not HAD, But HAVE …I had horrible pain for years and I thought that it came from DDD. I no longer have pain. Not HAVE, but HAD. Even though I still have spinal degeneration, I realize that it did not, and does not cause any pain for me. I am 100% cured of my back pain, despite still having DDD. If you have been diagnosed with DDD, do not fear, you can be pain free.
P.S. I was 26 when diagnosed. I am 35 now. So much for the theories that 20 or 30 years passing will provide relief, due to proteins dissipating or bones spurs forming. I am still losing disc height year by year, and I have no bone spurs or osteoarthritis…
Disc Degeneration to Home page
6/1/06 Revised 5/29/07

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