Degenerative Disc Disease

Degeneration of the disc over time produces low-grade inflammation and irritation and is a major cause of chronic low back pain. Because the discs in the spine do not have a dedicated blood supply, the discs must rely on a process called diffusion to receive their supply of water, nutrients, and oxygen. If the flow of these elements is disrupted, the vertebral discs can degenerate. This is a state of dehydration. Degenerative discs become more susceptible to injury from physical stress and day-to-day activities which can play a contributing role to serious conditions such as disc herniation, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis.