Degenerative Disc Disease
As discs lose height and water content, they can become a source of persistent pain in the neck, the lower back, or both.
Also Called: Disc degeneration, spondylosis, arthritis of the spine. The word disease overstates it. This is largely normal aging, and most people have some degree of it with no symptoms at all.
What It Is
Discs lose water and height with age. That alone rarely causes a problem, and nearly everyone's discs look degenerated on imaging by middle age. In some people the worn disc becomes a source of ongoing pain. As the disc space narrows, nearby joints and ligaments compensate, which can lead to instability or nerve compression over time.
Causes & Risk Factors
Age is the biggest factor. Genetics strongly influence how early and how severely discs degenerate, apart from lifestyle. Smoking, excess weight, and repetitive heavy loading all speed it up.
Symptoms
- Neck or back pain centered at the spine without pain radiating into the arms or legs
- Often worsens with prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting
- Some patients have occasional flares; others have a constant baseline of discomfort
There's no single right treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease. The best plan depends on your imaging, your history, and your exam. The next step is a conversation about your specific case.
Dr. Hirsch is board-certified and Yale-trained. Read his full background.