Is There Pain With Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease, which is when discs in between the spine begin to wear down, generally has a certain level of pain associated with it. This pain typically increases with physical activity and dissipates when sufferers of the condition stop the physical activity. Pain can be managed by controlling the amount of physical activity that people with the disease participate in, and also with various medications.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

• Lower back pain is the most common pain associated with degenerative disc disease, and tends to be ever-present in varying levels of severity. This day-to-day pain is usually treated by decreasing physical activity. Sitting in the upright position places more pressure on the discs and causes more pain. Lying down is the fastest way to relieve chronic lower back pain.

Acute/Severe Lower Back Pain

• Occasionally, lower back pain associated with degenerative disc disease flares up worse than normal. These flare-ups are usually associated with motion that causes back muscles to spasms, increasing inflammation around the discs. Flare-ups of severe lower back pain last from several days to a few months, and can be treated with increased amounts of medication.

Buttocks Pain

• Pain in the buttocks occurs as a result of redirected pain from the back. Occasionally, lower back pain (both chronic and acute), are redirected down the base of the spine, leading to pain in the buttocks.

Groin Pain

• Pain in the groin area occasionally occurs when back pain is redirected. A pinched nerve, which happens frequently in people with degenerative disc disease, also causes groin pain.

Leg Pain

• Leg pain is frequently associated with degenerative disc disease, as pain from the back extends down the legs. Another cause of leg pain is a pinched nerve, which occur frequently in people with degenerative disc disease. Other associated symptoms are tingling and numbness.