Question

How serious is degenerative disc disease?

Answer 1

Degenerative Disc Disease is usually not too serious although it is painful.

Degenerative Disc Disease can cause pain in the hips, legs and even lower back.

However in some cases Degenerative Disc Disease can cause Paralysis if Disc herniations happen in the persons cervical spine.

Although you can become paralyzed from Degenerative Disc Disease it's very rare for it to happen and Degenerative Disc Disease is usually not that serious although just painful and debilitating.

Answer 2

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when your spinal disks break down.

When these disks wear out, people typically experience back pain and stiffness.

You may find pain relief with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy and spinal injection.

Degenerative Disc Disease is not life threatening, but if left untreated, can lead to debilitating pain, permanent damage, and serious conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and potentially paralysis.

The degenerative disc disease cannot heal on its own.

Many treatments for degenerative disc disease focus on reducing symptoms.

Some people experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms than others.