Progression of lumbar disc degeneration: a 26-year follow-up study of healthy individuals from childhood to adulthood

DD progression appears strongly age-dependent, with the pubertal growth spurt representing a period of accelerated structural change. Progression slowed substantially after age 19. In this cohort, more widespread or severe degeneration at age 19 was associated with lifetime LBP at age 34. These findings highlight adolescence as a potentially critical period in the natural history of DD.