What are the symptoms of degenerative disc disease?

According to WebMD, degenerative disc disease refers to age-related changes in spinal discs, which sit between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. Symptoms can include back pain in the lower back and neck area. Nerve function can be impacted and osteoarthritis, herniated disc or spinal stenosis may develop.

WebMD explains that degenerative disc disease is caused by age-related changes in the structure of spinal discs. These changes include loss of fluids, which reduces the flexibility of spinal discs and makes them thinner, and the appearance of cracks and fissures in the outer layer of the discs, which makes them prone to bulging and breaking.