1. What is Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?

Lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the lower back gradually lose their flexibility, cushioning, and ability to absorb shock. Despite the name, it is not truly a “disease,” but rather an age-related process that can cause back pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation.

2. Causes

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Aging, which naturally reduces water content in discs, making them less flexible.

• Repetitive stress from daily activities, sports, or heavy lifting.

• Disc injuries, such as tears or herniations.

• Genetics, which can make some people more prone to disc degeneration.

• Smoking and poor lifestyle habits, which accelerate wear and tear.

3. Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the extent of disc degeneration and nerve involvement:

• Chronic low back pain that worsens with sitting or bending.

• Stiffness in the lower spine, especially in the morning.

• Pain that radiates to the buttocks, thighs, or legs if nerves are affected.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs in more advanced cases.

• Symptoms often improve with walking or lying down but worsen with prolonged sitting.

4. Diagnosis

To diagnose lumbar degenerative disc disease, doctors typically use:

• Medical history and physical exam to evaluate pain patterns and mobility.

• X-rays to identify disc space narrowing or bone changes.

• MRI scans to assess disc health, herniation, or nerve compression.

• CT scans or other imaging if further detail is needed.

5. Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most people with lumbar degenerative disc disease can manage symptoms without surgery. Options include:

• Medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain agents.

• Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strengthen core muscles, and reduce pressure on the spine.

• Lifestyle modifications, including weight management, posture improvement, and quitting smoking.

• Epidural steroid injections to decrease inflammation and nerve irritation.

Surgical Treatments

When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered—especially if pain is severe or nerve symptoms are progressive. Modern approaches emphasize targeted treatment with minimal disruption to healthy tissues:

• Microdiscectomy or endoscopic spine surgery: a minimally invasive spine surgery to remove a herniated or damaged portion of the disc.

• Minimally invasive spinal fusion: stabilizes the spine by joining vertebrae when disc degeneration causes instability.

• Artificial disc replacement: replacing a worn disc with a synthetic one to preserve motion.

These minimally invasive spine surgery techniques are designed to reduce hospital stays, minimize blood loss, shorten recovery times, and help patients return to daily life more quickly compared to traditional open surgery.