Cartilaginous discs are located between the vertebrae of the spine. These discs aid in keeping the spine flexible and in protecting the adjoining surfaces of the vertebrae. The tough outer ring of the intervertebral discs can become damaged, and the jelly-like core of the disc can herniate outward, causing pressure on the spinal cord. Disc degeneration can result in loss of disc height, and as the vertebral bones lose their cartilaginous cushions, they can erode and form bone spurs.
Injuries
The intervertebral discs help protect spinal bones from injury and from the stresses inherent in supporting the body's weight. These same stressors, trauma and mechanical load, can cause damage within the discs themselves as well.
Researchers Jill PG Urban and Sally Roberts, of the University Laboratory of Physiology at Oxford University, state that heavy physical labor is often associated with back injury, which can then result in structural damage to the discs. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center adds that trauma incurred during sports or even simple daily activities can rupture the discs and begin the degenerative process.
Desiccation
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explains that the water content of the intervertebral discs decreases with age. At birth, the discs are approximately 80 percent water, but with time, they dry out, becoming less able to absorb shocks and thus more vulnerable to damage.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Urban and Roberts have indicated that inadequate supply of nutrients can be a factor in degenerative disc disease. The blood supply typically carries nutrients to the nucleus of the disc. When the blood supply is compromised through conditions such as atherosclerosis or sickle cell anemia, notable increases in disc degeneration occur.
Obesity
The stress that extra weight places on the spine can accelerate disc degeneration, according to Urban and Roberts. The biomechanical difficulties inherent in carrying an unwieldy amount of body fat place extraordinary strain on the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine.
Smoking
Smoking wreaks its havoc not just on the cardiac and respiratory systems, but on the body's ability to heal after injury. For this reason, smoking is considered a contributing factor in the degeneration of the spinal discs.
Genetic Predisposition
Aside from the environmental, lifestyle and dietary influences that can play a role in causing disc degeneration, Urban and Roberts note that there appears to be a strong genetic predisposition for disc disease in some families.
