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What is a degenerated disc?
A degenerated disc has lost its ability to absorb the pressure between two vertebrae in the spine. A normal disc contains pressurized water, much like a car tire contains pressurized air, which allows it act as a cushion between vertebrae. If the disc is compromised and the water is lost, then the disc can no longer absorb shock, and over time, damage can be done to the body in and around the disc.
Click here for a discussion of degenerative disc disease, which includes a description of degenerated discs.
A related but different condition is a herniated disc, where the disc has actually shifted position. Either a degenerated disc or a herniated disc, however, can cause similar symptoms, because the damaged disc can ultimately pinch or irritate a nerve in the spinal cord.
Herniated Disc Overview
This reference provides an overview of herniated discs.
Click here to view an animation of a herniated disc. This resource also includes MRIs of a normal disc and a herniated disc.
Click here and choose Herniated Disc to view another animation showing a herniated disc. This resource includes an X-ray film of a herniated disc. Click the Anatomy button at the top right for detailed information about the spine.
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What clinical findings (signs, symptoms and test results) indicate a degenerated disc?
Depending on which disc is degenerated, a patient will have different symptoms. All degenerated discs can result in pain/soreness and a reduction/loss of motor function in one or more parts of the body, if the disc is affecting a nerve in the spinal cord.
- Pain (soreness and possibly radiating pain)
- Reduction/Loss of motor function (in the muscle affected by the disc)
Test results
Click here for information about cervical (neck and shoulders) herniated discs.
Click here for information about thoracic (upper back) herniated discs.
Click here for information about lumbar (lower back) herniated discs.
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Treatment options
Treatment for degenerated discs usually begins non-surgically, depending on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Epidural injections
Click here for a discussion of treatment options for degenerated discs.
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Science Links
Spinal Anatomy
This reference offers a concise description of the anatomy of the spine and the four regions of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (bottom or tailbone). Click the links at the bottom for additional information about the spine.
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