Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of degenerative disk disease include:

Pain in the low back, buttocks, thighs, or neck
Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or twisting
Pain that feels better when walking, changing positions, or lying down
Periods of severe pain that gets better after a few days or months
Numbness and tingling into the legs
Weakness in the legs
Foot drop (inability to raise the foot at the ankle)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:

Blood and/or urine tests to rule out other causes of pain
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially the bones
Discography —dye is injected into the affected spinal area to get clearer x-ray images

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2023 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.