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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How common is degenerative disc disease in older adults?

    Related Topics
    Back & Neck Pain Pain
    Is degenerative disc disease fairly common with the aging process?
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    Dr Aaron Albrecht

    Chiropractor

    Dr. Aaron Albrecht works at Body Wise Chiropractic in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The clinic is located within a gym, and Dr. Albrecht is the … View Profile

    Degenerative disc disease is thought to be present in the majority (up to 80% of individuals) over the age of 60 to some extent or degree. As we age the central 2/3 of the intervertebral disc loses the moisture that gives it its gelatinous consistency, then minor damage to the surrounding ligaments as well as regular wear and tear reduce the quality of the disc.

    It should be noted that many individuals with degeneration in their discs suffer no major symptoms other than stiffness and a reduced range of motion (this tends to happen as we age!). There can be problems which arise in some cases though, and it is prudent to see a musculoskeletal specialist such as a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist to consult you regarding your particular case. I suppose it's an apt enough analogy to say degenerative disc disease is wrinkles for your spine!

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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    Degenerative disc disease is a natural process of aging, and most people develop some degree of the condition over time. However, not all of these people experience related symptoms.

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    Dr Timothy Shakespeare

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractor at Healing Wave Chiropractic Warners Bay, NSW 2282Executive Board Member of the Chiropractors Association of Australia“Your body has the Innate ability to self heal … View Profile

    Who cares.
    Don't wait for it to happen.
    Get checked.
    Our poor life style causes discs to degenerate more than any other factor including age, trauma etc.
    You will never see a person with the same amount of degeneration in every one of their discs therefore age can't be the issue. I look after a 96yr old lady who has beautiful discs. She is not special.
    Sustained micro trauma due to a sedentary lifestyle however will show its ugly head more and more as the years pass. Unless preventative actions are taken.
    Chiropractors address the whole spine to ensure disc health is maintained and the brain-body connection is maximised.

    Yours in servitude,

    Tim

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