If your lower back hurts, you might wonder if muscle strain or another injury is to blame. Low back pain can resolve in most instances within 4 to 6 weeks. For low back pain that either persists for a longer time or continues to reoccur, other specific diagnoses should be considered.
Lumbar disc degeneration is a common radiographic finding that is seen as a result of the normal aging process. The majority of people with degenerative disc disease do not have symptoms of low back pain. Lumbar degenerative disc disease can lead to low back pain and discomfort in some people.
What Is Lumbar Disc Degeneration?
The spine’s intervertebral discs cushion the interlocking vertebrae. They can act as shock absorbers for your back, allowing it to bend, flex, and twist.
Two layers compose these discs:
- Annulus fibrous is a tough, firm outer layer composed of fibrous cartilage.
- Nucleus pulposus is a gelatinous core that’s made up mainly of water and collagen.
As we age, the inner core cushion loses water content and becomes drier. The discs’ outer layers can also crack or tear, leading to annular tears. Eventually, the disc can lose height. This can change the alignment of the vertebral bodies.
People can experience low back pain from lumbar disc degeneration, especially in the setting of an annular disc tear. Your doctor can help determine if disc degeneration is a cause of your pain.
What Causes Lumbar Disc Degeneration?
Though aging is the primary cause, other factors can accelerate disc degeneration.
These include:
- Genetics — A family history of back issues may increase your risk.
- Lifestyle factors — Heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and prolonged sitting can stress your back.
- Obesity — Excess weight puts pressure on spinal discs, increasing wear and tear.
- Smoking — Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, speeding up disc degeneration.
Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, ergonomic workplace changes, and mindfulness therapy can all support disc health.
Disc Degeneration Symptoms
When present, it can contribute to symptoms such as:
- Back pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting.
- Tenderness or aching in the buttocks or thighs.
- Back pain that feels better when walking, changing positions, or lying down.
Disc degeneration can lead to a more substantial injury such as a disc herniation. This is when disc material moves out of a normal position, putting pressure on a nerve root. It can cause:
- Numbness and tingling in the legs.
- Weakness in the legs.
Diagnosing Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and activities that may worsen your back.
They will assess your spinal range of motion and check for signs like numbness, weakness, and reflex changes. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs can help confirm disc degeneration and rule out other causes of pain.
How Do You Treat Low Back Pain?
If your doctor finds that lumbar disc degeneration is causing your pain, they will discuss treatment options.
They will probably focus on non-invasive approaches to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
These include:
- Physical therapy.
- Ergonomic changes (ex: sit to stand workstation).
- Lifestyle changes.
- Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen.
- Modalities, such as acupuncture or massage.
Non-surgical treatment options
For most people, lumbar disc degeneration doesn’t require surgery. Instead, doctors focus on managing pain and improving mobility through non-invasive methods:
- Medicines — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy — Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen muscles. They can also relieve pressure on discs.
- Heat and cold therapy — Alternating hot and cold packs can reduce swelling and numb discomfort.
- Lifestyle changes — Weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress reduction.
Surgical options for severe cases
If you’re having pain or mobility issues that don’t respond to other treatments, doctors might consider surgery.
Some surgical options include:
- Microdiscectomy — Surgeons remove the herniated disc portion off the spinal nerve root.
- Spinal fusion — This procedure connects two vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
Surgery is typically not the first line of treatment. A doctor will only suggest it after other therapies have failed. If you’re thinking about surgery, talk to your doctor about the risks, benefits, and recovery time.
Dealing with Chronic Low Back Pain
An episode of low back pain doesn’t predict long-term or chronic back pain. If your back pain becomes chronic, lifestyle changes can improve the pain.
Your care team may also advise you to reduce movements that aggravate the problem. This may include lifting heavy objects or flexion-based activities.
At the same time, you should try to remain as active as possible. Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest exercises that strengthen your core and pelvic girdle muscles. These can also help relieve pressure on your discs, easing pain from lumbar disc degeneration. They will also suggest modified movement to keep you fit and active.
If your condition worsens, see a doctor immediately. This may include:
- Severe leg weakness.
- Changes in bowel or bladder function.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever with low back pain.
Manage chronic low back pain with lifestyle changes
Chronic low back pain can make everyday activities difficult. However, certain lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life.
They include:
- Diet and weight management — A healthy weight reduces stress on spinal discs. A balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D, supports bone health.
- Stress management — Stress can worsen pain. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness-based meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce both pain and stress.
- Ergonomic adjustments — Adjust your workstation or buy supportive furniture. It can relieve back pressure during daily tasks.
You should avoid activities that strain your back. These include lifting heavy objects and participating in high-impact sports. However, it’s still important to stay active.
Strengthening exercises, swimming, and walking can support disc health. They won’t cause extra strain.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .