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The pain may start after a major injury (such as from a car accident), a minor injury (such as a fall from a low height), or a normal motion (such as bending over to pick something up). It may also start gradually for no known reason and get worse over time.

In some cases, you may have numbness or tingling in your leg or arm.

How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?

Degenerative Disc Disease is diagnosed with a medical history and physical examination. Your health professional will ask about your symptoms, injuries or illnesses, any previous treatment, and habits and activities that may be causing pain in the neck, arms, back, buttocks, or legs. During the physical examination, he or she will:

• Check the affected area's range of motion and for pain caused by movement.
• Look for areas of tenderness and any nerve-related changes, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, or changes in reflexes.
• Check for underlying conditions, such as fractures, tumors, and infection.

If your initial examination reveals no signs of a serious condition, imaging tests, such as an X-ray, are unlikely to help the diagnosis. Imaging tests may be considered when your symptoms develop after an injury, nerve damage is suspected, or your medical history suggests conditions that could affect your spine, such as bone disease, tumors, or infection.

How is it treated?

To relieve pain, put ice or heat (whichever feels better) on the affected area and use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (such as Advil), or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) also can help relieve pain. Your health professional can prescribe stronger medications if necessary.

Further treatment depends on whether the damaged disc has resulted in other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, a Herniated Disc, or spinal stenosis. Physical therapy and exercises for strengthening and stretching the back are often recommended, and in some cases surgery may be recommended.