Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition that occurs when the discs between your vertebrae change over time. These discs act as cushions, absorbing shock and allowing your spine to move smoothly. But with age, daily wear and tear, or minor injuries, discs can lose water content and become less elastic. As the discs dry and thin, they may provide less support — leading to pain, stiffness or reduced mobility.

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Side view of the spine showing normal, degenerative, bulging, herniated discs, thinning disc, and osteophyte formation.

Understanding spinal discs

Your spine is made up of stacked bones called vertebrae, with a disc between each one. Each disc has a soft, gel-like center and a tougher outer layer. Healthy discs are well hydrated, helping them absorb pressure from bending, lifting and twisting.

Over time, discs can shrink, lose height or develop small tears. These changes may change how your spine moves and can irritate surrounding nerves or joints. In some cases, bone spurs may form as the body responds to added stress.

Overview

Symptoms

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the location and severity of disc changes. The most common symptom is ongoing back or neck pain that may:

Radiate into the buttocks or thigh
Spread into the shoulders or arms
Worsen with bending, twisting or prolonged sitting
Improve when changing positions or lying down

Some people may experience muscle tension or stiffness. A damaged disc itself can become painful, known as discogenic pain. Discs may also bulge outward, potentially irritating nearby nerves or contributing to spinal narrowing.

Causes

Disc degeneration typically happens gradually. Some factors that may speed up the process or worsen symptoms include:

Repetitive strain from work, sports or daily activities
Spine injuries
Poor posture or body mechanics
Smoking, which reduces blood flow to spinal tissues
Genetic factors that affect disc strength

As discs lose height, vertebrae may shift closer together. This can increase stress on nearby joints and sometimes lead to bone spurs or spinal stenosis.

Diagnosis

Your spinal specialist will review your symptoms, history and perform a physical exam to assess movement, strength and nerve function. Your specialist will also use advanced imaging including X-rays, MRI or CT scans that can reveal changes in disc height, structure or hydration.

These results of this thorough evaluation can help determine whether disc degeneration is the source of your pain and guide your treatment plan.

Why treatment matters

Although disc changes are common with age, if persistent pain interferes with your daily routine and quality of life, treatment can help bring relief. Novant Health specialists can work with you on early, personalized care plans to reduce discomfort, improve mobility and help prevent worsening symptoms.

Treatment for degenerative disc disease includes physical therapy, targeted exercises, medications or injections to relieve inflammation. Some patients may benefit from minimally invasive procedures if other options do not provide sufficient relief.