What degenerative disc disease usually means
The phrase can sound more alarming than it is. Cleveland Clinic explains that degenerative disk disease is not actually a disease, but a term used when spinal disks wear down over time.
That does not mean Abraham’s jaw symptoms should be brushed off. Trouble opening the mouth can affect eating, speaking, and daily comfort, so it makes sense that she would see it as more than a cosmetic issue.
Her comments also show why medical language can confuse people. A term that sounds like a formal disease may actually describe a type of wear, damage, or breakdown, while the treatment depends on what a doctor finds in the specific area causing pain or limited movement.

The star opened up about the consequences of her cosmetic procedures.@pillowtalkwithryan/YouTube

The Teen Mom star admitted that she may get a face lift in the years to come.Michael Simon/Getty Images