Basically, the spine is a stack of vertebral bones (that contain the spinal cord) with intervertebral discs cushioning between the bones. The discs are fibrous casings filled with a jelly-like substance. Wear and tear can affect the bones, cartilages, discs as well as ligaments in the spinal cord.
Herniated Discs
With age, the cushioning effect of the discs may reduce. Sometimes, the fibrous coatings crack, leading to leakage of the jelly-like substance. This is termed as herniated disc and more commonly known as a slipped disc.
Degenerative disc disease
This is a condition where the discs slightly collapse and dry out.
Bone spurs
Wearing of the cartilage at the joints may result in rubbing of bones and result in the growth of extra bone called bone spurs.
Ligament hypertrophy
Ageing can result in ligament thickening or hypertrophy. Hypertrophy can further develop into hardening or ossification of the ligaments.
In all the above, people can experience pain and stiffness. There could be compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, which results in pain or weakness in other body parts like the legs.