Over ____% of older adults demonstrate some level of disc degeneration regardless of clinical signs.

The answer is based on research indicating that a significant majority of older adults exhibit some degree of disc degeneration as part of the natural aging process, even in the absence of clinical symptoms such as pain or restricted movement. Studies have shown that up to 90% of older adults may show signs of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs through imaging studies like MRI, irrespective of whether they report any related discomfort or functional impairment.

This finding underscores the importance of understanding that disc degeneration can be a common and largely asymptomatic condition in aging individuals, which means physical therapists and healthcare providers should consider this when assessing and treating older patients. Recognizing that a high percentage of the older population may have structural changes can affect clinical decision-making, emphasizing preventive care and the importance of educating patients about the degenerative processes related to aging.

In contrast, the lower percentage options may not accurately reflect the prevalence shown in comprehensive studies, indicating that the selected choice truly highlights the high incidence of disc degeneration among the older adult population.