Kathy,
There are genetic risk factors for degenerative disc disease. Many studies have been done with identical twins--identical twins have the same genetic DNA. Whereas, dizygotic twins (fraternal) twins share only half of their genetic DNA, as do "traditional" brothers and sisters.
I am a dizygotic twin--my brother has some had some back problems in the past (mostly muscular), but not the extent that I have had.
There is no way to prevent offspring of inheriting genetic traits. However, genetics show variable expression from one individual to the next (it can get extremely complicated, as mulitple genes may be involved).
The easiest way to help our kids is for them to make good choices concerning lifestyle (as well as environmental factors that they are exposed to). One can't change their genetics, but one can change many enviromental factors, which can directly affect genetics.
Justin
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