Don’t Fear Degenerative Disc Disease: It’s Part of Life’s Journey

A few days ago in the clinic, I had an enlightening conversation with a patient. She had a 20-year history of gastrointestinal (GI) issues and regularly visits her GI physician for checkups. Recently, she had an MRI to evaluate her GI health. The results showed her GI system was perfectly fine—great news!

However, the MRI also included imaging of her lumbar spine, and she noticed the words “degenerative disc disease” in her results. Naturally, she was alarmed and asked me, “Is this something I should be worried about?”

The short answer? No.

Wrinkles in Your Spine: A Natural Part of Aging

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is simply a medical term for what I like to call “wrinkles inside your spine.” Just like wrinkles on our face or gray hairs on our head, DDD is a natural sign of aging. It doesn’t mean something is inherently wrong with your back or that pain is guaranteed.

In fact, if you were to take 100 people off the street who were over the age of 50 and scan their spines, you’d find degenerative changes in a significant portion of them—most of whom are walking around without any pain at all.

Imaging Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

One of my favorite studies highlights this disconnect. Researchers took 100 people over the age of 50 and imaged their spines. They didn’t tell the radiologists which individuals had symptoms. Instead, the radiologists were tasked with guessing who might be in pain based solely on the images.

The results? There was poor correlation between what the images showed and who was actually experiencing pain. Some individuals with “messy-looking” spines had no pain, while others with pristine-looking spines were in significant discomfort.

This study demonstrates an important point: pain is multifactorial. It’s not solely determined by what’s visible on an MRI.

The Role of Strength and Movement

One of the best ways to remain asymptomatic—even if degenerative changes exist—is to stay strong and keep moving. Many people only discover they have DDD when they stop exercising, become weaker, or experience life events that make them more sedentary.

On the other hand, those who maintain their strength often never even realize they have these changes in their spine. Strength and consistent movement are powerful tools to prevent pain and stay functional.

A Story of Empowerment

I recently worked with a patient in her mid-80s who had undergone lumbar surgery for nerve pain. When her surgeon reviewed her imaging, he asked if she had been in a severe accident because her spine looked as though it had endured significant trauma. Her answer? “No, I’ve just lived my life.”

This patient is an exerciser and a mover. Despite her imaging, she is strong and active. Her case underscores the importance of looking beyond the image and focusing on overall health and functionality.

The Danger of Fear

When my patient shared her concern about her MRI findings, I immediately reassured her. By de-escalating her fear, we prevented unnecessary stress and anxiety, which could have negatively impacted her health. Elevated cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone) can exacerbate physical issues, including back pain.

Now that she understands her MRI results in context, she feels empowered—not afraid. This mindset shift alone can make a significant difference in her future health.

The Takeaway

Here’s what I hope you’ll remember:

1. Degenerative disc disease is natural. It’s a part of aging, like wrinkles or gray hair.

2. Imaging isn’t the full story. Pain is complex and often unrelated to what’s seen on an MRI.

3. Stay strong and keep moving. Strength and movement are your best defenses against pain and dysfunction.

4. Don’t let fear take over. Understanding your body and staying proactive are key to long-term health.

So, the next time you hear terms like “degenerative disc disease,” take a deep breath and remember—it’s just part of life’s journey.

Keep moving and keep getting better every day.