Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to age-related changes in the spinal discs that can lead to back or neck pain in some patients. While many individuals have disc degeneration without symptoms, others may develop persistent pain or functional limitations when disc changes become clinically significant.
Aqib Zehri, MD, is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in Portland, Oregon, specializing in complex spine care. He evaluates patients with suspected disc-related pain and offers individualized treatment options, ranging from non-surgical management to targeted minimally invasive or surgical interventions when appropriate.
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to age-related changes in the spinal discs. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, helping absorb shock and maintain flexibility.
Over time, discs can lose hydration and elasticity, leading to:
Disc thinning
Reduced shock absorption
Increased stress on surrounding structures
Although termed a “disease,” DDD is a common part of aging. In some patients, however, these changes can become a source of pain or contribute to nerve compression.
Not necessarily. Many individuals have disc degeneration on imaging without any symptoms.
Pain typically occurs when disc changes lead to:
Inflammation within the disc
Abnormal motion at a spinal segment
Nerve irritation or compression
Because disc degeneration is common, careful evaluation is required to determine whether it is the true source of symptoms.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of disc changes. Some patients have minimal discomfort, while others develop persistent pain.
Common symptoms include:
Chronic low back or neck pain
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
Radiating pain into the arms or legs
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Muscle weakness
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Symptoms may fluctuate over time or gradually worsen.
Evaluation is recommended when symptoms persist or begin to affect daily function.
You may benefit from consultation if you have:
Pain that does not improve with conservative treatment
Persistent or worsening symptoms
Nerve-related symptoms such as numbness or weakness
Functional limitations impacting work or daily activities
Initial treatment often includes:
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification
Heat or cold therapy
If symptoms continue despite these measures, further evaluation may be appropriate.
Surgical treatment is considered selectively and only when symptoms can be clearly linked to a specific structural problem.
Surgery may be appropriate when there is:
Persistent pain despite appropriate non-surgical care
Confirmed disc-related pathology on imaging
Correlation between imaging findings and clinical symptoms
Functional limitation affecting quality of life
Not all disc degeneration requires surgery. The goal is to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from intervention.
Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, imaging findings, and overall spinal alignment.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
Physical therapy
Medications to reduce inflammation
Activity modification
Targeted injections when appropriate
Surgical options may include:
Spinal decompression to relieve nerve pressure
Artificial disc replacement to preserve motion in select patients
Fusion procedures when instability or structural issues are present
Dr. Zehri specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques and selects the least invasive approach that effectively addresses the underlying problem.
If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain and want to better understand your options, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Call the office or request an appointment online to get started.