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Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

Long before degenerative disc disease— cervical, thoracic or lumbar—can be seen on an MRI, biochemical changes may have occurred. Some of these changes are like those associated with osteoarthritis.

Over time, the collagen (protein) structure of the outer wall of the intervertebral disc (also called the annulus fibrosus) weakens and may become structurally unsound. Additionally, water and proteoglycan (PG) content decreases.

PGs are molecules that attract water. These changes are linked and may lead to the disc’s inability to handle mechanical stress. Because the lumbar spine carries a large portion of the body’s weight, the stress on the annulus fibrosus from motion may result in a disc problem (e.g. herniation).

Learn more about degenerative disc disease:
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Definitions of Degenerative Disc Disease
Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

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The Bonati Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions for laser spine surgery. We advocate lumbar, thoracic and cervical degenerative disc disease patients to be well informed, and we encourage you to contact us to request more information, a no-obligation MRI or a personal telephone consultation.