The lower back is an intricate structure of interconnected and overlapping elements:
Degenerative disc disease describes the symptoms of pain and possibly radiating weakness or numbness stemming from a degenerated disc in the spine.
Generally, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is thought to stem from two main factors:
Both the inflammation and micromotion instability can cause lower back or neck muscle spasms. The muscle spasm is the body’s attempt to stabilize the spine. It is a reflex, and although the body’s response of muscle spasm is not necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful.
The muscle spasms associated with the instability are thought to cause the flare-ups of intense pain often associated with degenerative disc disease.
There are several common symptoms that are fairly consistent for people with lower back pain or neck pain from degenerative disc disease, including: