Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease: At a Glance
What it is: Degenerative disc disease is the gradual wear and tear of the spinal discs that cushion the spinal column.
How it affects people: It can cause back and neck pain, stiffness, and nerve-related symptoms such as sciatica.
Key concern: Ongoing pain, limited range of motion, and in some cases nerve compression.
Diagnosis: Confirmed with a clinical assessment and scans such as MRI scan or X-ray.
Treatment options: Pain management, physical therapy, injections, or spine surgery if needed.
Outlook: Many people manage symptoms successfully with non-surgical care; surgery is considered for persistent or severe cases.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not really a “disease” but a condition where the intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers in the spinal column break down over time. As the discs lose hydration and flexibility, they become less effective at supporting the spine, which may lead to pain or nerve irritation.
This condition is one of the most common causes of chronic back and neck pain. It can occur anywhere in the spine but is particularly common to be seen as lumbar degenerative disc disease (lower back) and cervical degenerative disc disease (neck) regions.
Types of Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease can affect different parts of the spine, and symptoms vary depending on which area is involved:
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Affects the discs in the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or pain radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands.
Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease: Less common and affects the mid-back. It may cause upper back pain, stiffness, or discomfort that worsens with certain movements.
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease: The most common type, affecting the lower back. Pain may radiate to the hips, buttocks, or legs, sometimes leading to sciatica or nerve compression.
Doctors may also describe degenerative disc disease by severity (mild, moderate, or advanced degeneration) or by whether it involves a single disc or multiple levels of the spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms
Common symptoms vary but may include:
Persistent neck pain or lower back pain degenerative disc disease related
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
Pain radiating to the buttocks or thighs (sciatica)
Flare-ups of pain lasting days or weeks, followed by periods of relief
Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the back or neck
Red flag symptoms that require urgent medical attention:
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe weakness in the legs
Rapidly worsening pain or numbness
Call 999 immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Causes and Who Is at Risk
Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease
The main cause is natural ageing, as degenerating discs lose water content and elasticity over time. Other contributing factors include:
Repeated stress on the spine from heavy lifting or strenuous activities
Traumatic injury such as a fall or accident
Herniated disc formation, where disc material presses on nearby nerves
Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to spinal stenosis
The breakdown of discs placing more strain on the facet joints, contributing to pain
Smoking, which reduces blood supply to spinal tissues
Not everyone with worn discs will develop pain; symptoms occur when disc changes affect surrounding nerves or spinal structures.
Reducing Your Risk
While ageing cannot be prevented, lifestyle choices can reduce the impact of disc degeneration:
Stay physically active with low-impact exercises such as swimming or walking.
Avoid smoking, which accelerates disc deterioration.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the spine.
Use proper lifting techniques to protect the discs.
Getting a Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of a physical examination and imaging studies.
MRI scans can reveal disc dehydration, bulges, or herniation.
X-rays may show narrowing of the disc space or abnormal alignment.
Neurological assessment checks for weakness, numbness, or reflex changes.
A precise diagnosis of degenerative disc disease helps guide treatment planning and rule out other causes of pain.
Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
Most cases can be managed with non-surgical treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Weight management, quitting smoking, and regular exercise.
Physical Therapy
Strengthens muscles that support the spine and improves flexibility.
Pain Management
Medications, heat therapy, or targeted spinal injections.
Surgical Treatment
Reserved for cases where conservative care fails or where nerves are severely compressed. Surgery sometimes relieves pressure on the nerves by removing damaged disc material. Procedures may include spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement.
Treatment plans are personalised to each patient, ensuring the best outcome.
Mr Kailaya-Vasan is a consultant neurosurgeon specialising in spinal and neurovascular surgery. Recognised as one of the best neurosurgeons in London for back pain, he offers both surgical management and non-surgical approaches tailored to individual patient needs.
Living with Degenerative Disc Disease
Many people live well with this condition by making adjustments to daily life. Simple changes such as maintaining good posture, using ergonomic chairs, and pacing activities can reduce pain flare-ups.
Rehabilitation plays an important role, with physical therapy and core-strengthening exercises helping patients stay active. Gentle exercise supports surrounding soft tissue, improving stability and reducing strain.
Pain management plans, developed in collaboration with specialists, provide long term strategies for relief and reduced pain.
Book a consultation with Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan
Receive a clear diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan from a leading consultant neurosurgeon. Appointments are available at top London hospitals, with remote options for international patients.
Seeking a second opinion?
If you have already received a diagnosis elsewhere, Mr Kailaya-Vasan can provide an independent review of your scans and medical notes, and explain the safest and most effective next steps.
FAQs about Degenerative Disc Disease
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It is a condition where spinal discs wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation.
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Common symptoms include chronic back or neck pain, sciatica, and pain flare-ups triggered by movement or prolonged sitting.
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Doctors use physical exams, MRI scans, or X-rays to confirm disc changes and rule out other causes of pain.
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Most patients improve with physical therapy, exercise, and pain management. Spine surgery is considered if conservative care does not provide relief.
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No. Many people manage symptoms successfully without surgery, and procedures are reserved for severe or persistent cases.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch.