How to Identify Degenerative Disc Disease: 4 Telltale Signs

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects many people as they age. Over time, the intervertebral discs—those cushion-like structures that sit between the bones of your spine—begin to lose their flexibility and hydration. This can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which can significantly impact your daily life. While DDD is not always painful, there are several signs that may indicate that a spinal disc is degenerating. Below are four key signs of a degenerative spinal disc and what you can do if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

1. Chronic Back Pain

One of the most common signs of a degenerating spinal disc is chronic back pain, particularly in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). Unlike acute pain, which comes on suddenly and resolves after a short period, chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or even years. Degenerating discs can no longer absorb shock as effectively, leading to increased stress on the spine’s bones and joints. This stress can cause inflammation and irritation of the surrounding nerves, resulting in a constant ache or discomfort in the affected area.

• What to Watch For:
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing.
  • Pain that improves with changing positions or lying down.
  • A dull, constant ache, often accompanied by periods of more intense pain.

2. Pain that Radiates to the Limbs

As a disc degenerates, it may bulge or herniate, putting pressure on nearby nerves. When this happens in the lumbar spine, the pain can radiate down the legs in a condition known as sciatica. If the cervical discs are involved, you might feel pain radiating into your shoulders, arms, or hands. This radiating pain, often described as a sharp or burning sensation, occurs because the nerves that are being compressed extend from the spine to other areas of the body.

• What to Watch For:
  • Pain radiating down one or both legs or arms.
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
  • Weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs.

3. Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

Degenerative disc disease can also cause stiffness and limited flexibility in the spine. The loss of disc height due to degeneration reduces the space between the vertebrae, making the spine less flexible. This stiffness is often most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As the condition progresses, you may find it more difficult to bend, twist, or turn your neck or back.

• What to Watch For:
  • Difficulty bending forward or backward.
  • Stiffness after prolonged sitting or lying down.
  • Reduced ability to twist or turn the neck or lower back.

4. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness

Nerve compression caused by degenerating discs can also lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. These symptoms occur when the nerves that exit the spine are pinched or irritated by the bulging or herniated disc. In more severe cases, this can lead to muscle weakness, which may affect your ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, lifting, or gripping objects.

• What to Watch For:
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs.
  • Muscle weakness in the limbs.
  • Difficulty walking, lifting, or maintaining balance.

Managing Degenerative Disc Disease

While degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging, it doesn’t mean you have to live with the pain. Several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life:

• Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the spine can help support the affected discs and reduce pain.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help control pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Cortisone injections may provide relief by reducing inflammation around the affected disc.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the damaged disc, relieving pressure on the nerves.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a spine specialist who can help you find the best treatment options. Don’t let degenerative disc disease control your life—reach out today to learn how we can help you manage your pain and restore your mobility.