Overview
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions. Over time they can lose water content and height, and small tears can form in the outer ring. Degenerative disc disease is the term used when these changes are thought to be contributing to pain.
Disc changes are a normal part of aging and many people with them have no symptoms. When a degenerated disc does cause ongoing back or neck pain, treatment ranges from exercise and physical therapy to injections and minimally invasive procedures.
Watch: Degenerative Disc Disease explained
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Common symptoms
- Ongoing low back or neck pain
- Pain that is worse with sitting, bending or lifting
- Pain that flares and settles
- Pain that may spread to the buttock or thigh
Causes and risk factors
- Age-related disc dehydration
- Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
- Prior injury
- Smoking
- Genetics
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, your clinician may order X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, or nerve tests. Imaging findings are interpreted together with your exam, because many people have changes on an MRI that do not cause pain.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Regular activity, core strength, healthy weight and not smoking may help discs and the spine around them.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and medicines for flares are common first steps.
Injections and nerve blocks
Epidural injections may help when a nerve is irritated.
Minimally invasive procedures
For selected patients, VIA Disc NP or Intracept may be options; spinal cord stimulation may be considered for long-lasting pain.
Surgical evaluation
Fusion or disc replacement is considered only for carefully selected patients after other care.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after a significant fall or accident, or pain with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?
The name can be misleading. It describes changes in the disc that happen with age. It becomes a clinical concern when it causes persistent pain.
Will it get worse over time?
Disc changes usually progress slowly, but symptoms often go up and down and do not always worsen. Staying active is generally helpful.
What is VIA Disc NP?
VIA Disc NP is a disc supplementation procedure that places allograft tissue into a degenerated disc. Your physician can discuss whether you may be a candidate.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.