Degenerative Conditions of the Spine
Certain types of spine problems are degenerative, that is, caused by aging. Common degenerative conditions are:
Disc Herniations. With age, the center of vertebral discs may start to lose water content, making the disc less effective as a cushion, causing displacement of the disc’s center (herniated or ruptured disc) through a crack in the outer layer.
< Herniated Cervical Disc
Herniated disc occuring in the neck.
< Herniated Lumbar Disc
Most disc herniations occur in the bottom two discs of the lumbar spine, at and just below the waist.
Other Common Degenerative Condtions:
< Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis
Fracture or crack in vertebra (spondylolysis) and slipped vertebra (spondylolysthesis).
< Stenosis
Narrowing of the central spinal canal by bone or soft tissue elements.
< Osteoporosis
Loss of bone mass making bones more porous and prone to facture.