Researchers are working to identify and confirm other genetic changes associated with an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease. The associated variants can lead to disc degeneration and herniation. Variants in genes that play roles in the development and maintenance of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae have also been found to be associated with intervertebral disc disease. It is thought that these gene variants can lead to an immune response that results in inflammation and water loss (dehydration) of the discs, which causes their degeneration.
These genes play a role in triggering an immune response when the body detects a foreign invader such as a virus.
Normal variations in genes related to the body's immune function are also associated with an increased risk of developing intervertebral disc disease. Specific variations in several collagen genes seem to affect the risk of developing intervertebral disc disease by impairing the ability of collagens to interact with each other, decreasing the stability of the disc and leading to its degeneration. Collagens form a network of fibers that create structure and stability within the intervertebral discs. Collagens are a family of proteins that strengthen and support connective tissues, such as skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. The most commonly associated genes provide instructions for producing proteins called collagens. Researchers have identified variations in several genes that may influence the risk of developing intervertebral disc disease. Some of these factors have been identified, but many remain unknown. Intervertebral disc disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Over time, a degenerating disc may break down completely and leave no space between vertebrae, which can result in impaired movement, pain, and nerve damage.
If the bone spurs compress the spinal cord, affected individuals can develop problems with walking and bladder and bowel control. These bone spurs may pinch (compress) the spinal nerves, leading to weakness or numbness in the arms or legs. Herniated discs often cause nerve pain called sciatica that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the length of each leg.Īs a disc degenerates, small bony outgrowths (bone spurs) may form at the edges of the affected vertebrae. This pressure causes pain, weakness, and numbness in the back and legs. Pain is often worse when sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting objects.ĭegenerated discs are prone to out-pouching (herniation) the protruding disc can press against one of the spinal nerves that run from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Depending on the location of the affected disc or discs, intervertebral disc disease can cause periodic or chronic pain in the back or neck. While the discs in the lower ( lumbar ) region of the spine are most often affected in intervertebral disc disease, any part of the spine can have disc degeneration. The intervertebral discs provide cushioning between vertebrae and absorb pressure put on the spine. Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition characterized by the breakdown (degeneration) of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae), causing pain in the back or neck and frequently in the legs and arms.
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