There are many different causes of degenerative disc disease, including age-related wear-and-tear and injury. Most commonly, degenerative disc disease is responsible for the symptoms of pain and instability. Fortunately, the majority of degenerative discs do not cause long-term disability. In many cases, patients can manage the condition with nonsurgical treatments. Here are some ways to treat the pain and improve your quality of life.

The doctor will perform a complete physical exam. Your doctor will examine your spine for any signs of degeneration, such as decreased mobility and flexibility. He will also check your reflexes and muscles to see if they are functioning normally. He may ask for a list of your symptoms and will then use that information to diagnose you.

Your symptoms and severity will be used to determine the best course of action. While most patients won't need surgery, there are some cases where it may be beneficial. Surgery may be required depending on how severe the condition is. Sometimes, surgeons will even fuse two vertebrae to alleviate disc pressure.

To determine if you have disc herniation, or nerve root compression, your doctor may order a CT or MRI scan of your back. An MRI or CT scan can show your spine's anatomy and reveal whether nerve roots are being compressed or not. A spinal fusion is also a surgical option. Once you've determined that degenerative disc disease or disc degeneration is the cause of your pain, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that will relieve your pain and restore your health.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary. You may experience mild to severe back pain, as well as numbness and tingling. Symptoms may occur after a minor injury or while moving normally. Despite the symptoms, the disease does not usually require surgery. In some cases, lifestyle modifications can help improve the condition. If the condition is severe or restricts your mobility, your doctor might recommend surgery.

Degenerative disc disease can cause back pain. Your degenerated disc may have a jelly-like centre that presses against the spinal nerve. It can lead to weakness, pain, and numbness in the back. Your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the issue if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a spine fusion if the problem is serious.