Degenerative disc disease is not genetic. Inheritance of Degenerative Disc Disease refers to whether the condition is inherited from your parents or runs in families. The level of inheritance of a condition depends on how important genetics are to the disease.
Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury. In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even if you haven't fallen.
Why does an osteoporosis bone fracture cause back pain? Back pain can be a sign that a compression fracture has occurred in the vertebrae - the bones that form your spine. Brittle, weak bones caused by osteoporosis are at the root of this problem. Compression fractures in the back are a major source of pain and disability for women, and some men, over 50 years old. Compression fractures in the back are also the most common type of fracture due to osteoporosis.