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Risk Factors and Causes

Degenerative disc disease typically is a result of the natural aging process, although it also can be caused by injury or trauma. At birth, intervertebral discs are about 80% water, along with collagen and proteins, with most of the water located in the nucleus pulposus. This fluid gives the disc its spongy quality and contributes to its shock-absorbing abilities.

Over time, the amount of water in the disc decreases and the collagens and proteins undergo chemical c...Read the full article