Population-Based Risk Factors for the Development of Degenerative Disc Disease

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is responsible for widespread disability in the civilian and military population. In the United States alone, nearly 5.7 million people are diagnosed with intervertebral disc disorders each year. Despite the impact of low back pain and DDD, its multi-factorial etiology is not entirely understood. Identifying risk factors and assessing their impact on the development of DDD may allow for improved prevention and treatment strategies.