Is degenerative disc disease serious?

Cleveland Clinic describes it as a natural part of ageing rather than a true disease: almost everyone has some disc wear after 40, and it can lead to back pain in about 5% of adults. When it does cause symptoms, the pain can be intense.

Can you slow degenerative disc disease down?

Cleveland Clinic says you can prevent or slow it by keeping to a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity. It lists smoking, heavy lifting, long periods of sitting and high-impact activity among things to avoid if you have it.

Who treats degenerative disc disease?

Physical therapists commonly guide the strengthening and stretching exercises Cleveland Clinic recommends, and a spine specialist can advise on injections or surgery. You can find physical therapists near you in the SpinalCare directory.

A clinician using a spine model to explain the back to a seated patient

Spine condition · plain-English guide

Degenerative disc disease

Photo: Fatih Ustaosmanoğlu / Pexels

Degenerative disc disease isn't really a disease. It describes the spinal discs wearing down with age, which happens to almost everyone after 40. It doesn't always cause symptoms; when it does, the most common are neck and back pain, which may come and go.

Overview

Spinal discs are rubbery cushions between the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. As we age they lose water and get thinner, and minor injuries can cause small tears or cracks (Cleveland Clinic).

Almost everyone has some disc degeneration after age 40, and Cleveland Clinic says it can lead to back pain in about 5% of adults. It mostly affects the lower back or the neck, and around 90% of cases involve the lowest part of the lumbar spine.

Worn discs can contribute to other spine problems, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis (Cleveland Clinic; NIH NIAMS).

Common symptoms

Neck or back pain that comes and goes, lasting weeks or months at a time
Pain that spreads into the lower back and buttocks
Pain that gets worse with sitting, bending, lifting or twisting
Pain that can range from mild to severe

Common causes

Natural ageing: discs dry out and become thinner, so they absorb less shock
Small tears or cracks in a disc, which can inflame nearby nerves
Risk factors include being over 40, smoking, obesity, a physically demanding job and injuries such as falls
Women are more likely than men to have symptoms (Cleveland Clinic)

Warning signs to act on

The sources list these as warning signs. Each one says what the source advises: some are emergencies (in the US, call 911 or go to the emergency room), others mean contacting a clinician promptly.

Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs, a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus, changes in bladder or bowel control, chest pain, or back pain that started after a serious accident: the NHS treats these as emergencies

What usually helps

Physical therapy

Cleveland Clinic lists strengthening and stretching exercises with a trained physical therapist as a first-line treatment.

Low-impact activity

Walking or swimming can strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain, and Cleveland Clinic suggests gentle stretching or yoga through the day.

Heat and cold

Cleveland Clinic suggests alternating ice packs and heating pads every 10 to 15 minutes, up to four times a day, to ease soreness. It says at-home treatments may ease pain for a short time but are not a long-term treatment for severely degenerated discs.

Injections, procedures and surgery

Cleveland Clinic lists steroid injections and radiofrequency treatment of the nerves among nonsurgical options. Most people don't need surgery, but it may be an option if you have tried several nonsurgical treatments and still have persistent pain or weakness.

Watch: a physical therapist explains

Good News!! If diagnosed with DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) Must Know This!!
Bob & Brad · Physical therapists Bob Schrupp, PT and Brad Heineck, PT
Two licensed physical therapists explain why a degenerative disc diagnosis is often less alarming than it sounds. We embed it for general education; it is not a substitute for advice about your own scan.

Frequently asked

Is degenerative disc disease serious?: Cleveland Clinic describes it as a natural part of ageing rather than a true disease: almost everyone has some disc wear after 40, and it can lead to back pain in about 5% of adults. When it does cause symptoms, the pain can be intense.
Can you slow degenerative disc disease down?: Cleveland Clinic says you can prevent or slow it by keeping to a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity. It lists smoking, heavy lifting, long periods of sitting and high-impact activity among things to avoid if you have it.
Will I need surgery?: Most people don't. Cleveland Clinic says surgery may be an option if you have tried several nonsurgical treatments and still have persistent pain or weakness.
Who treats degenerative disc disease?: Physical therapists commonly guide the strengthening and stretching exercises Cleveland Clinic recommends, and a spine specialist can advise on injections or surgery. You can find physical therapists near you in the SpinalCare directory.

Sources

This page organises information from the cited sources for general education. It is not medical advice and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own care. Editorially reviewed October 4, 2026.