Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain and neck pain, and also one of the most misunderstood. Degenerative disc disease describes the symptoms of pain. Which may include the sensation of radiating weakness or numbness. A diagnosis of “degenerative disc disease” is alarming to many patients because it sounds like a progressive, threatening disease. In reality, it is not really a disease, and it is not strictly degenerative.
For most people the term “degenerative” understandably implies that the symptoms will get worse over time and with age. However, this does not necessarily apply to the symptoms and pain, but rather describes the process of the disc degenerating over time. While it may be true that the disc degeneration is could progress over time, the pain from degenerative disc disease usually does not get worse and in fact may plateau with time.
Disc degeneration is actually a natural part of aging, and over time most people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms and pain. Degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its course and severity. For some patients epidural steroid injections can provide significant benefit.