Overview
Spinal disc degeneration—often referred to as degenerative disc disease (DDD)—is a common age-related condition where the intervertebral discs lose hydration, elasticity, and structural integrity. These discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, begin to deteriorate over time, leading to chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression.
Disc degeneration can occur anywhere in the spine but most commonly affects the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions.
Common Causes
Natural aging process – Loss of water content and disc height over time
Repetitive spinal loading – From heavy lifting, twisting, or high-impact sports
Genetic predisposition – Family history of early disc degeneration
Poor posture or prolonged sitting
Spinal injury or trauma
Smoking – Accelerates disc desiccation and degeneration
Symptoms
Chronic back or neck pain, often worse with activity and improved with rest
Stiffness and reduced flexibility in the spine
Referred pain to the hips, buttocks, or thighs (lumbar DDD)
Neck pain with possible radiating discomfort to the arms (cervical DDD)
Occasional nerve-related symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatments
Physical therapy – Core stabilization, mobility exercises, and posture training
Anti-inflammatory medications – NSAIDs for pain relief
Activity modification – Avoiding aggravating activities and improving ergonomics
Weight management and smoking cessation
Chiropractic care or acupuncture (select cases)
Interventional Pain Management Options
When conservative measures fail to provide relief, interventional options may be considered:
Medial Branch Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Treat facet joint-mediated pain, which often coexists with disc degeneration.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Alleviate nerve root inflammation due to disc collapse or disc bulge causing stenosis.
Intracept® Procedure
Minimally invasive ablation of the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals from degenerated vertebral endplates. Particularly effective for patients with Modic Type 1 or 2 changes on MRI.
Endoscopic Discectomy or Annuloplasty
Minimally invasive surgical approaches for addressing degenerative disc bulges or tears with direct visualization.
Surgical Options
Spinal fusion – Stabilizes the spine by fusing adjacent vertebrae, often used for severe degeneration and instability.
Artificial disc replacement – For select cervical and lumbar cases, replacing the degenerated disc with a synthetic one to preserve motion.
Conclusion
Spinal disc degeneration is a progressive condition that can cause chronic pain and functional limitation. While many patients respond well to conservative care, modern interventional techniques offer targeted, minimally invasive solutions that can provide lasting relief and improve quality of life without the need for major surgery.