Degenerative Spine Diseases and Conditions

Degenerative conditions of the spine occur as part of the normal aging process. Nearly everyone experiences some degeneration of spinal discs or spinal joints by age 40.

But for some people, these degenerative changes are more advanced than is typical for their age.

Find the Right Care For You

The experts at UPMC provide treatment for an array of mild to severe degenerative spine conditions, including:

• Degenerative disc disease — Spinal changes from wear and tear over time.
• Herniated disc — A collapse of the soft tissues between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). A herniated disc is also known as a ruptured or slipped disc.
• Spinal stenosis — The narrowing of the spinal canal, the small space that holds the nerve roots and spinal cord.
• Spondylolisthesis — A spinal condition in which one vertebra slips out of alignment.