Morphologic changes in the
endplate that occur with advancing age or degeneration can interfere with
normal disk nutrition and further the spinal degenerative process. Degeneration
decreases the ability of the spine to move through a full range of motion,
which alters the integrity of the proteoglycans and water concentration,
reducing the number of viable cells with decreased movement of solutes in and
out of the disk.
Pain, 2004
