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Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
Our world-leading spinal specialists treat the pain caused by a worn spinal disc.
What is degenerative disc disease?
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc in the lower back and neck. The condition usually causes low-level chronic back pain, with episodes of weakness, numbness, and shooting pains in the arms or legs.
Need to know
DDD happens when the discs between our vertebrae age over time, losing their flexibility, elasticity and ability to absorb shocks. It can affect any part of the spine but often starts in the areas of the spine we use the most — the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). DDD can be associated with a dull, continuous pain in the back, or even episodic severe pain lasting a few days to a few weeks.
Other symptoms include:
Other symptoms include:
- Increased pain when you move
- Feeling as though your spine isn't supporting you
- Sharp pain in the shoulder, arm or hand or the hips, buttocks or leg
- Pain when standing too long - muscle spasms.
There are a number of ways to diagnose degenerative disc disease.
- Physical and subjective examination: your doctor will examine your spine in the first instance and discuss the types of pain you’ve been having.
- MRI scan: this displays the soft tissues in your spine and can highlight a bulging or worn disc. It can confirm a formal diagnosis of degenerative disc disease in the neck or lower back and help when planning corrective surgery.
There are a number of ways to diagnose degenerative disc disease.
- Physical and subjective examination: your doctor will examine your spine in the first instance and discuss the types of pain you’ve been having.
- MRI scan: this displays the soft tissues in your spine and can highlight a bulging or worn disc. It can confirm a formal diagnosis of degenerative disc disease in the neck or lower back and help when planning corrective surgery
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.