What is degenerative disc disease
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae. Between each pair of vertebrae there is a fibrous disc with a softer cartilage core. In a healthy spine, these discs cushion and allow the vertebrae to move.
As we age these intervertebral discs undergo changes. They may dry out, thin, or crack. The soft cartilage core may bulge or herniate out through the fibrous outer portion of the disc. Degenerative disc disease is the term that describes these age-related processes.
By the age of 35, approximately 30% of people will have some level of disc wear and tear. By the age of 60, this number grows to more than 90%.
This process is normal and does not necessarily cause pain. The term “degenerative disc disease” describes disc degeneration that causes pain and other symptoms.
What triggers degenerative disc disease?
The interesting bit here is that the spinal discs do NOT have a direct blood supply. They receive nutrients and oxygen by the recycling of the disc fluid that occurs with spinal joint movement. When we move our spine, fluid is “sucked in” by the discs and the waste is pumped out.
You may think of your spinal discs as a sponge. You need to squeeze the sponge to take the dirty water out and then you need to release the pressure to allow the clean water to fill the sponge.
In short, lack of spinal movement leads to lack of hydration.
The wellbeing of your spine depends on movement!
The yoga difference: Long term
A small 2011 study compared degenerative disc disease in the spines of long term yoga practitioners and asymptomatic non-yoga practicing individuals. The researchers used MRI scans and found that the spines of the yoga practitioners were much healthier than the control group.
“When walking in the streets, one can see people heavily following their bodies. Their heads lean forwards, pulled by their necks, on insecure legs, their feet scarcely touching the ground. Quadrupeds elongate their spine with each step. We should do the same while walking or standing,” writes renowned yoga teacher Vanda Scaravelli.
Yoga consists of breaking bad habits and re-educating the spine as to bring back its original suppleness.
Vanda Scaravelli, Awakening the Spine
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