11 DEGENERATION IS NORMAL
Degeneration
'Aging', 'degeneration' and therefore deterioration of the spine is normal.
After your 28th year of life, the inevitable aging, "deterioration" of the spine begins. When you get older, you also get smaller. This is mainly due to the collapse of the intervertebral discs (hinges and shock absorbers). Due to a decrease in the moisture content in the intervertebral discs, they gradually dry out and 'latch' in. The result is that after our 40th year of life we shrink about 1 centimeter per decade. The bone density decreases, and therefore also the 'strength' of the bone and this increases the risk of fractures of the vertebrae. The muscle mass and muscle function decreases and overall the moisture content in all structures decreases, making them more vulnerable and stiffer.
"Healthy" spine
"Obsolete" spine
Conclusion
In conclusion: "as you get older the chance of permanent back pain is greater!"
However:
One advantage: Due to the stiffening of the spine, the elderly have less chance of instability complaints of the spine.
