5 Things to Know About Disc Degeneration as You Age

Maybe your back feels a little stiffer than it used to, getting up after a long car ride takes a minute, or certain movements don’t feel quite as easy anymore. Changes in the discs between your vertebrae are a common part of getting older. While the term “disc degeneration” can sound scary, these changes don’t always mean something is seriously wrong or even that you’ll experience pain.

Here are five things to know about disc degeneration and how you can support your spine as you age.

1. Disc Changes Are Common

The discs between the bones of your spine act as cushions and help your spine move. Over time, they naturally lose some of their shock absorption and flexibility. These changes are common with age, and some people have signs of disc degeneration on imaging without experiencing significant symptoms. It is important to stay ahead of additional negative changes, however, as they can worsen and bring about future issues.

2. Staying Active Is Important

When your back feels stiff or uncomfortable, sitting still may seem like the safest option. That’s why you might be surprised to learn that regular movement can be an important part of keeping your back healthy. Walking, strength training, stretching, and other activities you enjoy can help you stay mobile and support the muscles that support your spine. The right amount and type of activity will depend on your health and symptoms.

3. Your Daily Habits Can Make a Difference

Think about how much time you spend sitting during a typical day. Add in your commute, time on the couch, and hours spent looking at a computer or phone, and it can quickly add up. Changing positions throughout the day, taking movement breaks, and paying attention to your workspace can help reduce some of the strain that comes with staying in one position for too long.

4. An Imaging Report Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

The term “disc degeneration” can sound scary when it appears on an imaging report. But those findings don’t necessarily tell you how much pain someone has, what they’re capable of doing, or what their future health will look like. Your Rochester Hills

chiropractor can help put imaging results into context. Looking at all these factors together can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening with your body.

5. You Don’t Have to Wait for Severe Pain to Pay Attention

Your body may give you smaller clues before pain starts interfering with your day. Maybe you’re regularly waking up stiff, your back gets uncomfortable after sitting, or you’ve noticed that you aren’t moving as freely as you once did. Those changes are worth paying attention to. Taking care of your spine can be part of your regular wellness routine, rather than something you only think about when you’re hurting.

Keep Your Spine Moving

Getting older naturally brings changes to your body, including your spine. Staying active, building strength, getting enough rest, and maintaining healthy daily habits can all support how you move and feel. Chiropractic care can be another part of that routine. At Vitality Precision Chiropractic, we use gentle, noninvasive care to support your spine and nervous system. If stiffness or changes in mobility are starting to affect your day, schedule a visit with our Rochester Hills chiropractors and learn how chiropractic care can fit into your wellness routine.