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Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease describes the gradual, age-related wear of the intervertebral discs, the cushions between the vertebrae. Many people have disc degeneration without symptoms. When a worn disc becomes a source of pain, or leads to a related problem such as a herniated disc or stenosis, targeted treatment can relieve the symptoms.

Middle-aged man outdoors holding his lower back from degenerative disc pain

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Each intervertebral disc has a firm outer ring (the annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus). Over time, discs lose water content, height, and elasticity, and small tears can form in the outer ring. This process, called disc degeneration, is a normal part of aging and is common on MRI in people with no pain.
 
Degenerative disc disease refers to disc degeneration that produces symptoms. A worn disc can itself be painful (discogenic pain), or the wear can lead to related conditions such as an annular tear, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis.

Treatments For Degenerative Disc Disease

Most patients are treated without surgery, so care begins with the least invasive options and advances only as needed.

Non-surgical care

  • Physical therapy. Builds core strength and spinal support.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication. Reduces pain during flare-ups.
  • Activity modification. Better body mechanics and weight management reduce load on the discs.
  • Image-guided injections. Calm an irritated nerve or joint.

Minimally invasive procedures

Most procedures are performed same-day, on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will recommend the least invasive option appropriate for your condition.

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How Degenerative Disc Disease is Diagnosed

Evaluation combines a clinical history, a physical and neurologic examination, and imaging. MRI shows the hydration and height of each disc, tears in the outer ring, and any pressure on the nerves. Because disc wear is common, the goal is to confirm that a specific disc is the source of your symptoms.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team of highly trained staff will examine your imaging, answer all of your questions, and help point you towards the path of effective, minimally invasive treatments.
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Diagram comparing a healthy spinal disc with a degenerated disc pressing on the nerve

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Disc degeneration results from a combination of age, genetics, and mechanical load. Common contributing factors include:

Age-related changes

Discs gradually lose water content, height, and elasticity.

Genetic predisposition

Genetics strongly influence how early and how quickly discs wear.

Tobacco use

Reduces the blood supply and nutrition that discs depend on.

Repetitive heavy load

Years of lifting, bending, and twisting stress the discs.

Prior injury

A previous strain or trauma can accelerate wear at that level.

Elevated body weight

Extra weight increases the load on the lumbar discs.

What A Worn Disc Can Lead To

Disc degeneration is often the starting point for other spine conditions. Each has its own page with symptoms and treatment options.

Annular tearA tear in the disc's outer ring that can cause deep back pain. Herniated discInner disc material pushes through the outer wall onto a nerve. Spinal stenosisNarrowing of the canal that crowds the nerves. Foraminal stenosisLoss of disc height narrows the openings where nerves exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is degenerative disc disease serious?

Usually not. Disc degeneration is a common part of aging, and many people have it on MRI without pain. It becomes clinically significant when a worn disc causes persistent pain or leads to a related problem such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Is degenerative disc disease actually a disease?

Not in the usual sense. The term describes age-related changes in the discs, including loss of water content and height. It is a description of wear rather than an illness that spreads.

Does degenerative disc disease get worse over time?

Disc wear tends to progress slowly with age, but pain does not always follow the same course. Many patients experience symptoms in flare-ups that are well controlled with an appropriate plan.

Can degenerative disc disease be cured?

The structural wear cannot be reversed, but the pain it causes can often be relieved. Many patients do well with conservative care, and disc repair, disc replacement, or fusion can address the source when needed.

What activities aggravate degenerative disc disease?

Heavy lifting with poor form, repeated bending and twisting, and prolonged sitting commonly aggravate discogenic pain. Staying active with good body mechanics usually helps more than rest.

How is the painful disc identified?

MRI shows which discs are worn, but because wear is common, a specialist correlates the imaging with the examination and the pattern of pain. In selected cases, diagnostic injections help confirm the source.

What are the surgical options for a worn disc?

For carefully selected patients, options include minimally invasive disc repair, disc replacement to preserve motion, and fusion to stabilize the segment. The choice depends on the level involved, the degree of wear, and the stability of the spine.

Are procedures for degenerative disc disease done same-day?

Most minimally invasive procedures at Total Spine and Orthopedics are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis. To schedule an evaluation in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), or Titusville, call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Of Degenerative Disc Disease

Many worn discs cause no symptoms. When they do, common signs include:

  • Back or neck pain that comes and goes, often in flare-ups.
  • Pain worse with sitting, bending, or lifting.
  • Relief with walking or changing position.
  • Stiffness, especially after rest.
  • Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into an arm or leg if a nerve becomes involved.

Degeneration can occur at any level, but the lower back and neck carry the most motion and load.

Lumbar (lower back)

  • Most common at L4-L5 and L5-S1.
  • Low back pain that can spread to the buttock.
  • Can lead to sciatica if a nerve root is compressed.

Cervical (neck)

  • Most common at C5-C6 and C6-C7.
  • Neck pain and stiffness that may spread to the shoulder blade.
  • Arm symptoms from a pinched nerve.

Seek immediate care for progressive weakness, foot drop, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or any loss of bladder or bowel control.

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Related Conditions

Annular Tear

Annular tears are a common, degenerative condition that can develop in the spine naturally as you age or through external factors such as an injury or abnormal stress on the spine. An annular tear is formed when the normally thick outer layer of a disc is ripped or torn as a result of stress. After an annular tear is formed, additional stress on the disc can cause the soft inner “jelly” (nucleus pulposus) to leak out from the interior of the disc forming what is known as a Herniated Disc. If this leakage happens on the rear side of the disc, the nucleus pulposus can press against the nearby nerve roots resulting in what is commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve”.

Herniated Discs

Chances are you’ve heard of a herniated disc. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you are likely also familiar with the pain and symptoms often caused by this condition. As you begin to research the treatment options available to help you find pain relief, it’s important to understand what causes a herniated disc to develop in the first place.

Bulging Discs

Bulging discs, also known as disc protrusions, are a very common occurrence in people of all ages. The spine is made up of small, round bones (vertebrae) that are cushioned by shock-absorbing discs. These discs feature a tough, fibrous shell and a soft, gel-like core. The outer fibrous portion of our discs can weaken due to factors such as daily wear and tear, sudden injury, and the body’s natural aging process. Pressure from the inner core of the disc can then stretch to the outer rim, causing the disc to “bulge” outward in one direction.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can crowd the nerves and cause back pain and leg pain when standing or walking.

Foraminal Stenosis

Foraminal stenosis, or narrowing, occurs when the open passageways between the spinal vertebrae (foramina) are encroached upon by displaced bone or soft tissue, often due to degenerative changes in parts of the spine.

Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, you are not alone. Back pain affects 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, and, in fact, low back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability in people under the age of 45. There are many causes of back pain, with some more serious than others.

Neck Pain

At some point in life, most adults experience some level of neck pain. Whether you woke up in the morning with a “crick in your neck” or you have felt the constant dull pain of a spine condition, you understand the frustration neck pain can cause.

Arthritis Of The Spine

Arthritis is one of the most common types of disorders experienced by older people, with some estimates stating that as many as 67 million people may suffer from some form of arthritis by the year 2025. Arthritis can affect many different parts of the body and the spine is unfortunately not immune. This type of arthritis is typically known as arthritis of the spine and its onset can cause or worsen a variety of other issues that can cause neck and back pain as well as a variety of other issues.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in our body. It controls numerous muscles in the lower extremities and supplies sensation as well.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can strain joints and compress nerves.

When A Worn Disc Needs A Procedure

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

When a worn disc needs a procedure, minimally invasive techniques mean less pain, a smaller scar, and a faster return to everyday life.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Motion-preserving options, not only fusion

    From disc repair to disc replacement, we look for the option that treats the source and keeps you moving.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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