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Is Degenerative Disc Disease Normal with Aging?

By age 60, more than 90% of people will show some evidence of disc degeneration on an MRI. The short answer to "is degenerative disc disease normal with aging?" is yes, the underlying disc degeneration is a natural part of the aging process, but the disease-like symptoms of pain and nerve compression are not inevitable. Many people have disc degeneration without ever experiencing pain or mobility issues, while others develop significant symptoms that require medical attention.