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Degenerative Disc Disease Specialist 

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood.

For a patient who are new to this diagnosis, common questions often include:

  • If I have pain from degenerative disc disease in my thirties, how much worse will it become with age?
  • Will the degenerative disc disease become a crippling condition? Will I end up in a wheelchair?
  • Should I restrict my activities? Can I still play sports?
  • Will the disease spread to other parts of the spine?
  • Will the degenerated disc(s) cause any permanent damage?
  • What can I do to reduce the symptoms from a degenerated disc?
  • Is surgery inevitable?

Simply put, degenerative disc disease describes the symptoms of pain and possibly radiating weakness or numbness stemming from a degenerated disc in the spine.

While the definition sounds simple, many patients diagnosed with degenerative disc disease are left wondering exactly what this diagnosis means for them.

Degenerative Disc Disease FAQ

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is primarily caused by **two main factors**:

Inflammation

The proteins inside the disc space can cause inflammation, leading to pain.

  • In the **lumbar spine**, pain may radiate to the **hips, legs, feet, or toes** (sciatica).
  • In the **cervical spine**, pain may radiate to the **arms, shoulders, or hands** (cervical radiculopathy).

Abnormal Micromotion Instability

If the **annulus fibrosus** (outer rings of the disc) degenerates, it may cause small, uncontrolled movements in the spine.

This instability can trigger **muscle spasms**, leading to intense pain flare-ups.

What Are The Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

Common symptoms of DDD include:

  • Episodes of **severe pain** lasting from days to months.
  • Chronic **low back or neck pain** that varies in intensity.
  • **Pain worsens** with activities like **bending, lifting, or twisting**.
  • **Sitting** often increases pain, while **walking or lying down** provides relief.
  • **Muscle spasms** may cause a sensation of the back “going out.”
  • Frequent **stiffness or limited range of motion**.

Severe and continuous pain is rare. If present, further evaluation may be necessary.

What Are The Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease?

Nonsurgical Treatment

Most patients manage DDD symptoms without surgery. Treatment focuses on **pain relief** and **stabilizing the spine**.

Goals of Nonsurgical Treatment

  • Reduce **inflammation and pain**.
  • Improve **spinal stability and mobility**.
  • Strengthen **supporting muscles** through physical therapy.

Common Nonsurgical Treatments

  • **Physical therapy** – Strengthens muscles and improves flexibility.
  • **Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)** – Reduce swelling and pain.
  • **Activity modification** – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
  • **Pain management techniques** – Heat, ice, massage, and acupuncture.
  • **Epidural steroid injections** – Reduce inflammation around spinal nerves.

Patients are typically advised to **try nonsurgical treatments for at least 6 months** before considering surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be considered for patients with **severe pain, nerve compression, or spinal instability**.

Common Surgical Procedures

  • Anterior Cervical Decompression & Spine Fusion – Removes disc material and fuses the spine for stability.
  • Cervical Disc Replacement – Replaces the damaged disc with an artificial implant, preserving motion.

Spinal surgeries are complex and require **careful evaluation by an orthopedic specialist**.