Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can affect any part of the spine, but it most commonly affects the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine). Where you have pain will depend on what region of your spine has the disc degeneration.

Generally, people with degenerative disc disease have chronic back or neck pain. Sometimes, though, pain will flare up—that's called an acute episode. The main symptom, though, is pain, so you should pay attention to it and what makes it better or worse.

With DDD, you may notice pain patterns such as:

• More pain when sitting for a long time, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Less pain when walking or running
• Less pain if you change positions frequently
• Less pain when you lie down

It's important to treat your back and neck pain properly. Seek medical attention if your pain persists—and seek immediate attention if you have any of the emergency signs listed below.

Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help

• Pain is getting worse
• Disabling pain
• Leg weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling
• Loss of bowel or bladder control