Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

Need to know

• Symptoms of degenerative disc disease icon plus

  DDD happens when the discs between our vertebrae age over time, losing their flexibility, elasticity and ability to absorb shocks. It can affect any part of the spine but often starts in the areas of the spine we use the most — the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). DDD can be associated with a dull, continuous pain in the back, or even episodic severe pain lasting a few days to a few weeks.
  
  Other symptoms include:
  
  

  • Increased pain when you move
  • Feeling as though your spine isn't supporting you
  • Sharp pain in the shoulder, arm or hand or the hips, buttocks or leg
  • Pain when standing too long - muscle spasms.

• Screening and diagnosis icon plus

  There are a number of ways to diagnose degenerative disc disease.

  
  

  •  Physical and subjective examination: your doctor will examine your spine in the first instance and discuss the types of pain you’ve been having.
  • MRI scan: this displays the soft tissues in your spine and can highlight a bulging or worn disc. It can confirm a formal diagnosis of degenerative disc disease in the neck or lower back and help when planning corrective surgery.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  There are a number of ways to diagnose degenerative disc disease.

  
  

  • Physical and subjective examination: your doctor will examine your spine in the first instance and discuss the types of pain you’ve been having.
  • MRI scan: this displays the soft tissues in your spine and can highlight a bulging or worn disc. It can confirm a formal diagnosis of degenerative disc disease in the neck or lower back and help when planning corrective surgery