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These two entities are similar in that they both can cause low back pain. Part of the normal aging process is for the spinal discs, between the vertebral bodies, to lose height and volume of water content. This in itself is usually not a cause for back pain. In fact studies have shown that up to 30 percent of individuals who never have experienced low back pain have abnormal discs on MRI scans.
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Lumbar MRI with degenerative disc disease | Some individuals do have pain generating disc disease which can become disabling. This may or may not be associated with a tear or herniation. As the disc degenerates and becomes less stable the motion may release inflammatory proteins into the surrounding tissues producing pain. As time passes this inflammatory response may wax and wane, but interestingly as the disc further degenerates over many years it may become more stable and release less inflammatory factors producing less pain.
Degenerative joint disease refers to the normal aging process of the joints which make up the posterior stabilizing structures of the spine which allow spinal motion in conjunction with the spinal discs. These joints help with normal flexion and extension bending of the spine, as well as allow and limit rotational motion. They work in concert with the discs to produce the motion that humans have in their spine. As in any joint, as aging occurs, the joint will lose space due to cartilage loss. There may also be enlargement of the joint and production of osteophytes or spurs which may produce inflammatory factors into the surrounding tissues causing pain.
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