Degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis of the spine is one of the most common causes of neck and lower back pain. As we age, the discs in the spine dehydrate or dry out and lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. The bones and ligaments that make up the spine also become less flexible. Degeneration in the discs is unfortunately part of the normal aging process and can cause minimal to severe pain. Pain can result from this degenerative process causing pressure on the the nerves and, or spinal cord. Nerves surrounding the affected disc may become irritated, resulting in arm or leg pain.

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