Degenerative Disc Disease

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What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Peer-Reviewed Article

Contrary to the name, degenerative disc disease doesn't necessarily worsen with age, but it can lead to severe pain.

Inflamed disc between two vertebrae, highlighted in red to indicate pain

Overview

The "Degenerative Cascade" of a Degenerating Disc

Nucleus pulposus highlighted in the disc between two vertebra

How a Disc Becomes Painful

Inflammation from cervical degenerative disc disease in between two vertebrae.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Lumbar degenerated disc in L3 and L4.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Inflamed disc between two vertebrae, highlighted in red to indicate pain

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

A degenerated disc between L4 and L5

Degenerative Disc Disease Progression over Time

Video

Anterior view of the lumbar spine with a degenerated disc causing nerve pain.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Video

Anterior view of cervical spine showing degenerated disc.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Video

Showing a spinal disc in pain.

Video: What Is a Degenerative Disc and the Degenerative Cascade?

Nerve compression from a degenerated disc in the cervical spine.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Animation

Degenerated disc in the lumbar spine

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Animation

The lumbosacral joint highlighting L5 and S1

L5-S1 (Lumbosacral) Degenerative Disc Disease Animation

Symptoms

Medical illustration showing a herniated disc in the cervical spine

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Lower back with the pain area caused by lumbar degenerative disc disease higlighted

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms

Medical illustration of common problems affecting the cervical spine. Degenerative disc disease, facet joint osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis are highlighted.

How Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Causes Pain and Other Symptoms

Causes and Diagnosis

Posterior view of pain in the legs and arms caused by Degenerative Disc Disease.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease Pain

Anterior view of bone spurs in the lumbar spine.

Diagnosing Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Weak spots in the disc of the lumbar spine.

Causes and Risk Factors of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Treatment

Anterior view of a degenerated disc in the lumbar spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Guidelines

Medical illustration showing an ALIF cage implant

Surgical Treatments for Degenerative Disc Disease

Man using a kickboard in the pool

Exercise and Physical Therapy for Disc Disease Treatment and Pain Management

Heating pad with control and plug

How to Lessen Pain from a Degenerated Disc

Posterior view of the lumbar spine and pelvis.

Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Woman gazing sadly out of the window

Treating Chronic Pain and Depression from Degenerative Disc Disease

Epidural Steroid Injection

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

Scattered prescription pills.

Pain Medications for Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment

Anterior view of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment for Low Back Pain

Anterior view to show a cervical degenerative disc.

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Options

Posterior view of the lumbar spine with red glow representing pain

Pain Management Techniques for Degenerative Disc Disease

Wellness

Pair of sneakers, pedometer and water bottle

Controlling Degenerative Disc Disease Pain: Three Things You Can Do

Anterior view of disc between two lumbar vertebrae.

Living with Degenerative Disc Disease

Woman laying on the floor preparing to do the supine hamstring stretch

2 Easy Exercises for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Pain Relief

Spread of healthy foods including broccoli, salmon, eggs, olive oil, chia seeds, and avocado

Step Three of DDD Management: Improve Nutrition

Transparent figure with a highlighted, straight spine sitting at office work station.

Step Two of DDD Management: Reduce Lower Back Stress