Is Degenerative Disc Disease Hereditary?
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Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of back pain, yet it’s often misunderstood.
Many people wonder: Is degenerative disc disease hereditary?
If your parents or grandparents struggled with back problems, it’s natural to ask whether you might, too.
The truth is, genetics can play a role in DDD, but it’s not the whole story.
Lifestyle, habits, and treatment choices also make a big difference.
Let’s explore the connection between genetics and DDD, and most importantly, what you can do to manage it.
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What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs between your spine’s vertebrae start to wear down.
These discs act like cushions, helping your spine bend, twist, and absorb shock.
When they break down, you may experience:
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Difficulty bending or lifting
Despite the name, DDD isn’t technically a “disease.”
It’s a natural part of aging, but for some people, the condition becomes much more noticeable—and painful—than for others.
That’s where genetics come in.
Is Degenerative Disc Disease Hereditary?
The short answer: yes, it can be.
Research shows that genetics can make you more prone to disc degeneration.
If spinal issues run in your family, you might inherit traits that weaken your discs, like:
- Reduced collagen production (important for strong discs)
- Increased inflammation in the body
- Structural spinal issues
For example, if your parents struggled with back pain in their 40s, you might notice symptoms earlier, too.
But genetics don’t tell the whole story.
While you can’t control your DNA, you can control how you care for your spine.
Addressing lifestyle habits and seeking treatment early can slow the progression of DDD and reduce pain.
Other Risk Factors for Degenerative Disc Disease
Beyond genetics, several factors can increase your risk for DDD:
- Aging: Discs naturally lose water and elasticity over time.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, lack of exercise, and poor posture all speed up disc damage.
- Obesity: Extra weight puts more stress on your spine.
- Injury: Accidents, falls, or heavy lifting can damage discs and accelerate degeneration.
The good news?
Many of these risk factors are within your control.
How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease Without Surgery
At Elite Pain Doctors, we specialize in helping you manage degenerative disc disease with non-surgical treatments. Here’s how we can help:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to treat degenerative disc disease.
A skilled therapist will create a customized program to:
- Strengthen your core muscles for better spine support
- Improve flexibility to reduce stiffness
- Restore mobility so you can move without pain
A stronger core takes pressure off your discs, helping you feel better and move more freely.
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Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care adjustments can improve spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on your discs.
If you’re dealing with pain or stiffness, regular chiropractic care can help you feel better without medication or invasive procedures.
Benefits include:
- Improved posture and spinal function
- Reduced nerve pain and muscle tension
- Enhanced mobility
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a gentle, non-surgical treatment that stretches the spine, reducing pressure on damaged discs.
It also helps increase blood flow and nutrients to the discs, which promotes healing.
This therapy is especially helpful for those experiencing:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
- Herniated or bulging discs
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Degenerative Disc Disease
You don’t have to let DDD take over your life.
Small changes can make a big difference:
- Move Your Body: Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve flexibility and strengthen your spine.
- Sit Up Straight: Practice good posture to reduce pressure on your discs.
- Watch Your Weight: Losing even a few pounds can ease spinal stress.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to your discs, making them deteriorate faster.
By combining these habits with treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic care, you can take control of your spinal health.
Conclusion: Is Degenerative Disc Disease Hereditary?
If you’re dealing with back or neck pain, understanding whether degenerative disc disease is hereditary is just the first step.
The next step is finding a solution that works for you.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we offer physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other proven treatments to help you manage degenerative disc disease and get back to living pain-free.
Schedule an appointment today to start your recovery.
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FAQs: Is Degenerative Disc Disease Hereditary?
Is degenerative disc disease hereditary?
Yes, degenerative disc disease can have a genetic component. If you have a family history of back issues, you may be more prone to disc degeneration. However, lifestyle factors like posture, exercise, and weight management also play a big role in the condition's progression.
Is walking good for degenerative disc disease?
Yes, walking is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen your core, improve spinal flexibility, and boost blood flow to the discs. Regular walking can reduce stiffness and pain, making it a great option for managing DDD.
Why does my back hurt when I lay down?
Back pain when lying down often happens because the spine is not properly supported, putting pressure on worn-out discs. This can be worsened by poor sleeping positions or a mattress that doesn’t provide adequate support.
Can you stop degenerative disc disease from getting worse?
While you can’t completely stop disc degeneration, you can slow its progression with physical therapy, regular exercise, good posture, and treatments like chiropractic care or spinal decompression therapy.
Can you live a normal life with a degenerative disc?
Yes, many people with degenerative disc disease live full, active lives. With the right treatments, like physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage pain and improve your spinal health.
What is the best treatment for degenerative disc disease?
The best treatment depends on your specific symptoms, but non-surgical options like physical therapy, chiropractic care, and spinal decompression therapy are highly effective. These treatments help strengthen your core, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on the spine.