that it is. But, there is really nothing that you can do about it until it causes pain. Some people never experience pain from it. Either way it would always be a good idea to take good care of your spine using proper lifting techniques, proper posture, etc.

Hi Jake, My mother has DDD, as do I. In talking to my docs they dont seem to believe that it is a hereitary thing. Most things I have heard and read about it, it seems to be a natural thing that will effect almost everyone in their lifetime. Just the simple act of life I suppose. Unless it becomes a severe point of pain for you, I would not worry to much about it, its not like a cold that you may catch from someone else. Good luck Jake

I think that there may be some components that are hereditary, but I don't think that you should worry excessively. I don't think you need to have a doctor check out your back, unless you have pain.

Disc degeneration happens to everyone, but not everyone ends up with pain. So, if the doctor found some indications of degeneration, it doesn't really mean anything.

My mother, sister and myself all have disc degeration - with pain, so I do believe that something hereditary is going on. Whether it is the disc degeneration part, or the pain generation part, I don't know.

With that said, it is a good idea to take good care of your back. Learn proper lifting techniques, and don't overdo it. Good luck to you, and your father.