😬DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE😬 It sounds awful, right!?  Let’s talk about what that means, and why it’s important for you to fix how you are moving immediately.

As we all get older, our discs dry out and shrink.  This is a normal process that happens with aging.  Initially, as the disc height decreases, more movement will occur between the vertebrae of the spine.  The facet joints (not seen in the picture), which are now sitting right on top of each other, start rubbing against each other.  As bone rubs against each other, it will start to facilitate the growth of more bone ➡️➡️➡️ bone spurs ➡️ arthritis ➡️ a stiff spine.  Depending on how active an older adult you are, this may not affect you terribly.  BUT, you don’t want this process starting when you are young and active.  Now pay attention - herniated discs or disc bulges can also start this phenomenon.  Disc bulges lead to decreased disc height, and the same processes will occur ➡️ increased shear and torsional forces ➡️ increased facet loading ➡️ bone spurs ➡️ stiff spine ➡️ pain.

If you’re suffering from back pain, go see a physical therapist, who can teach you how to move better and get you out of pain. 

If you don’t have back pain, go see a physical therapist, and learn how to move better and stay out of pain😉