bad back struts
Bad shocks or struts is one possibility.
Yes, if your car has shock absorbers it would only be if they are broken in two pieces; if your car has struts then it is probably the upper mounts that are bad. If it is struts and you have the upper mounts replaced, you will also need an alignment.
bad shocks or struts
No, this will not damage or cause wear on the struts in any way.
Struts are much like what used to be shock absorbers except more expensive to replace. Bad/worn out struts will greatly reduce the handling and control of the vehicle. You can drive the car but it may put you in a dangerous situation. How much do you value your life?
Struts on a car are a shock absorber that prevents the car from bouncing. A socket wrench is required to change the struts.
Usually when they or shocks go bad then the vehicle will bounce more. The shock/struts are supposed to cushion the road surface impact. When bad then you start feeling every little bump in the road.
Many people confuse car struts and car shocks. While car shocks prevent passengers from feeling the jostle of a drive, car struts support the physical weight of the car.
struts
Most likely your alignment is out of whack or bad struts. Could also be the wheels need balancing.
The amount of time car struts will last depends on the brand and the type of vehicle. The average life of car struts is 50,000 miles.