A 34-year-old member asked:
Does degenerative disc disease spread to other parts of the spine?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Schlesselanswered
Specializes in General Surgery
No: It does not spread but can occur at multiple disc spaces.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Carl Spivakanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 28 years experience
Does not spread!: Degenerative disk disease is wear and tear breakdown of the disks in the spine from aging, lifestyle, sports, work and genetics. As people age the disk looses water and shrivels up and weakens. The disk is unable to absorb forces from sitting, running and jumping. The body tries to stabilize the disk producing bone spurs and thickening ligaments. This may happen throughout the spine.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 52 years experience
Wear and tear: It is not unique to have wear and tear throughout the vertebral column. Most often the degeneration is most prominent over the lower back, but can eventually be seen in the neck and mid back as time proceeds.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
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Last updated Dec 7, 2014
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