Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms

Degenerative findings may cause no pain at all. When symptomatic, patients may describe axial low-back pain, stiffness, leg symptoms from stenosis, or reduced tolerance for sitting, standing, or walking.

Diagnosis

A careful history and examination distinguish disc, facet, hip, SI joint, muscular, and neurologic sources. Standing X-rays show alignment and motion; MRI evaluates discs and nerves. Imaging alone does not establish the pain source.

Treatment options

Core and hip conditioning, activity modification, medication when appropriate, weight and bone-health optimization, and targeted injections are common first steps. Treatment is matched to the suspected pain generator.

When surgery is considered

Surgery is considered only when a specific structural problem explains substantial symptoms or neurologic loss and the likely benefit outweighs the disruption of reconstruction.

When to seek care promptly

Seek prompt care for progressive leg weakness, numbness, or any new bowel or bladder difficulty.