Degenerative Disc Disease Health Center
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of back pain and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. This condition is not actually a disease -- it is part of the normal aging of the spine. In this condition, the discs in the spine (the pillow-like pads between the bones) lose their cushioning. When this happens, it can cause persistent pain in the lower back, legs, neck or arms. Treatments for pain caused by degenerative disc disease can include medications and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed if the pain is severe and causes a person the inability to participate in everyday activities.
