Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) isn’t actually a disease. It’s a natural, age-related condition and one of the most common causes of chronic back or neck pain in adults. The condition occurs when the intervertebral discs, the soft, cushion-like pads between your vertebrae, begin to wear down over time. These discs help absorb shock and allow your spine to move freely, but as they lose water content and flexibility, they can become less effective and lead to pain or other symptoms.

Common causes & risk factors

• Aging (most common in people over 40)
• Repetitive motion or heavy lifting
• Previous spine injuries
• Genetic predisposition
• Smoking, which reduces oxygen supply to spinal tissues
• Obesity, which increases pressure on spinal discs

Disc degeneration can occur in the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), or lumbar spine (lower back), with lumbar and cervical regions being the most common.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease

• Persistent or intermittent back or neck pain
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or twisting
• Pain relief when changing positions or lying down
• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness in the limbs (in more advanced cases)

Diagnosing degenerative disc disease

Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your Iowa Ortho provider may also recommend:

• X-rays to look for narrowing between vertebrae
• MRI to view the condition of the discs and surrounding nerves
• CT scan if more detailed images are needed

In some cases, discography (a special dye injection into the disc) may be used to identify the exact source of pain.

Treatment options

Many people with DDD find relief through non-surgical care and lifestyle changes.

Non-surgical treatment

• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles and improve spine support
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Heat and ice therapy to manage flare-ups
• Epidural steroid injections for inflammation and nerve irritation
• Activity modification and ergonomic changes

Surgical treatment

If pain persists despite conservative treatment, or if there’s nerve compression causing weakness or loss of function, surgery may be considered. Options include:

• Spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area
• Artificial disc replacement to maintain movement
• Laminectomy or foraminotomy to relieve nerve pressure

Recovery & outlook

While DDD is a chronic condition, most patients can manage their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life with the right care plan. For those who need surgery, recovery timelines vary, but physical therapy and follow-up care are essential parts of healing.

Iowa Ortho’s experienced spine team offers personalized, comprehensive care, from non-surgical therapy to advanced surgical solutions. Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or are ready for corrective surgery, Iowa Ortho offers the expert care and guidance you need to stay on your feet.