Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the intervertebral discs that cushion the bones of the spine gradually lose height and hydration over time, which can contribute to back or neck pain in some people.

What degenerative disc disease (DDD) does to your spine

The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers and spacers that keep the bones of your spine from grinding against each other. With age, these discs naturally lose some of their water content and become thinner and less flexible — a process that shows up on imaging as disc degeneration.

In degenerative disc disease, that process is more pronounced and may alter how the spine loads and moves. The disc changes can reduce the space available for nerves exiting the spine, contribute to joint stress at the vertebral level, and affect spinal stability. Pain from degenerative disc disease is often felt in the lower back or neck and may radiate into the arms or legs if nearby nerves are involved. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are the most commonly affected.

Why degenerative disc disease is frequently misunderstood

The name implies a progressive disease that will inevitably worsen, but that's not how it plays out for most people. Many individuals with significant disc changes on imaging have little to no pain, while others with mild changes experience significant discomfort. The degree of degeneration visible on a scan doesn't reliably predict the level of pain. How the spine is being loaded, and how the surrounding muscles are supporting it, matters far more.

Why imaging findings can be misleading

It's common to receive a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease after an MRI and assume the scan explains all of your pain. But degeneration is so common that it appears in a large percentage of adults over 40 who have no back pain at all. The scan tells you what's present — not necessarily what's causing your symptoms. A physical therapist can help you understand what's actually driving your pain and address it directly.

How Sword Health can help

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) responds well to targeted physical therapy — building the muscle support around the spine, improving movement patterns, and reducing the mechanical stress that aggravates symptoms. Sword connects you with a physical therapist from home, so you can start making progress without adding another appointment to your week.