Back Pain Glossary » Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease and Back Pain

  Degenerative disc disease refers to a syndrome in which twisted disc causes chronic low back pain. The injury weakens the disc and creates excessive motion in the joints of the vertebrae. This causes the tissues, fluids and nerves around the disc to become painful and irritated.

  Some disc degeneration is a normal part of the process of aging. For most people, degenerative disc disease can be successfully treated with traditional care. Most patients will experience low-grade tolerable pain that will occasionally flare up as a result of over exertion. The frequency and intensity of the pain that accompanies degenerative disc disease can be managed with an exercise program.