Degenerative Disc "Disease" (Aging)

If you have ever gotten x-rays then you were probably told you have Degenerative Disc Disease or Degenerative Joint Disease. Whoa how did he know?! ... because it's like saying you have gray hair and wrinkles. DDD and DJD are aggressive names for basically saying you are getting older. These are not actually a disease of any kind but more of a condition.

How common is this?!

- By the age of 35, approximately 30% of people will show evidence of disc degeneration at one or more levels. By the age of 60, more than 90% of people will show evidence of some disc degeneration. Degeneration itself is normal, and does not necessarily cause pain.

DDD, DJD and Arthritis are popular examples of terms used by doctors a lot especially when looking at images. These diagnosis can seem scary but in actuality these are likely normal, age-related changes seen on imaging. It's very unfortunate to see people label themselves by their diagnosis and begin to limit themselves.. people begin to think that they can't do what they use to because of this "disease" when in actuality with the right treatment they can! Don't let this "diagnosis" create a negative spiral of being sedentary leading to a chronic pain cycle.