Degenerative Disc Disease in the Low Back

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the low back refers to changes in the lumbar discs that can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Despite the name, it is not really a “disease” but a natural process of aging and wear on the discs that cushion the vertebrae. For some, this degeneration causes little or no symptoms. For others, it leads to persistent low back pain or nerve compression.

At The Orthopedic Partners, we help patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease find relief through personalized care, beginning with conservative treatments and offering advanced surgical solutions when needed.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease in the Low Back?

The lumbar spine (low back) contains five vertebrae separated by discs that act as cushions and shock absorbers. Over time, these discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them less effective at supporting movement. This can cause pain in the back itself and may contribute to nerve compression, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms can vary depending on how much the discs have worn down and whether nerves are involved. Common symptoms include:

  • Chronic low back pain that comes and goes
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting and improves with walking or lying down
  • Stiffness or loss of flexibility in the low back
  • Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, or legs
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs (if nerves are compressed)
  • Episodes of increased pain after activity

What Causes Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?

The condition is primarily caused by age-related wear, but other factors can speed up degeneration:

  • Loss of disc hydration: Discs naturally dry out and lose cushioning with age
  • Disc injuries: Tears or herniations can lead to quicker degeneration
  • Arthritis: Degeneration often affects facet joints alongside discs
  • Spinal instability: Disc collapse can alter spinal alignment and mechanics
  • Trauma: Accidents or repetitive stress can accelerate disc breakdown

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop degenerative disc disease in the low back if you have:

  • Age over 40
  • Physically demanding work or heavy lifting
  • Prior spine injury or trauma
  • Family history of spinal arthritis or disc problems
  • Smoking, which reduces blood flow to discs
  • Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle

How Is Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation, including history and physical exam. Imaging studies are often used to confirm disc changes and rule out other conditions:

  • X-rays show disc space narrowing and spinal alignment
  • MRI reveals disc hydration, herniations, and nerve compression
  • CT scans are useful in certain cases to assess bone detail
  • Diagnostic injections may help pinpoint the source of pain

Treatment Options for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Most patients improve with non-surgical care. Surgery is considered if symptoms persist or if nerves are significantly compressed.

Non-surgical Treatments

  • Physical therapy: Focuses on strengthening, flexibility, and core stability
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatories or nerve-specific medications
  • Activity modification: Avoiding positions or movements that worsen pain
  • Epidural steroid injections: Reduce nerve inflammation and pain
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, posture correction, and smoking cessation

Surgical Treatments

If pain or nerve symptoms do not respond to conservative care, surgery may be recommended. Options include:

  • Lumbar microdiscectomy: Removes herniated disc fragments pressing on nerves
  • Lumbar fusion (ALIF, TLIF, LLIF, MIS-TLIF): Stabilizes the spine when discs are severely degenerated and causing instability or nerve compression
  • Lumbar disc replacement: In select patients, replaces the damaged disc while preserving motion
  • Lumbar facet joint replacement (lumbar facet arthroplasty): An alternative for some patients with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) and facet arthritis, allowing stabilization while preserving motion

At The Orthopedic Partners, our surgeons often incorporate robotic-assisted and computer-navigated techniques for greater precision and safer outcomes.

When to See a Spine Specialist

If you have chronic low back pain that lasts more than a few weeks, radiating leg symptoms, or pain that limits your ability to work or enjoy activities, it’s time to see a spine specialist. Early evaluation can help identify the source of pain and prevent worsening symptoms.

Find Relief for Low Back Pain

At The Orthopedic Partners, we provide comprehensive care for degenerative disc disease in the low back, from physical therapy and injections to innovative motion-preserving and stabilizing procedures. Our goal is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and get back to the activities you love.

Schedule your consultation and explore treatment options for lasting relief.