In a healthy spine, intervertebral discs contain a high water content that allows them to act as flexible shock absorbers between the bones. As part of the natural aging process, these discs gradually dehydrate, become thinner, and lose their ability to effectively cushion the vertebrae during movement.
When a disc loses hydration, the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) becomes brittle and can develop small tears or cracks. This structural degradation not only leads to localized stiffness and back pain but also reduces the space between the vertebrae, increasing the likelihood of painful nerve compression.
