Lumbar degenerative disc disease is located in the lumbar spine (lower back). It is one of the most common locations for this type of disc degeneration. The normal aging process tends to be a large contributor to lumbar degenerative disc disease; therefore, most people will have some degree of degeneration in the discs of the lower spine. Though this may be the case, not all people will experience symptoms. Many may not ever even have a formal diagnosis.

Lumbar Spine Anatomy

Progression of Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Illustrative MRI lumbar spine scans from a pair of monozygotic twins. Sagittal T2-weighted MRI scans from a pair of female monozygotic twins, baseline scan uppermost. Aged 52 years at baseline, both follow-up scans show increasing loss of disc signal intensity, loss of disc height and increasing extent and severity of disc bulges posteriorly.

Understanding the lumbar spine will help you better understand lumbar degenerative disc disease. The lumbar spine is located in the lower section of your spine. Generally, people have five bones (vertebrae) in the lumbar spine. However, there may sometimes be six. The vertebra stack on top of each other and are cushioned by a disc.

Ligaments and tendons contribute to the stabilization of the spine and protect against excessive movement in any one direction. The vertebrae and discs are held together by ligaments. Ligaments connect bone to bone, while tendons connect muscles to the vertebrae.

The lumbar spine has joints called facet joints. They are located at the posterior area of the spinal column and help to make the spine flexible. In the center of the spinal column there is a vertical hole called the spinal canal where the spinal cord is located. The bones of the lumbar spine protect the spinal cord form injury. There are small nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord.

Lumbar Disc Anatomy

The lumbar spine consists of five discs that are located in between the five lumbar vertebrae. These discs act as spinal shock absorbers because they absorb the load of your entire body. They are also helpful for allowing movement at the waist because they act as a pivot point allowing the lumbar spine to bend, twist, and rotate. The discs are made up of two basic parts: nucleus pulposus (inner gel-like material) and annulus fibrosus (exterior).

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Causes

The most common cause for lumbar degenerative disc disease is the aging process. Your discs tend to lose hydration in the inner core causing stiffness and inflexibility. When this happens, the inner core can extrude through the outer core. Losing hydration also reduces their ability to act as a shock absorber. It can also be caused by a sudden, acute injury.

Lumber Degenerative Disc Disease Pain

Lumbar degenerative disc disease pain is generally caused by inflammation and/or abnormal micro-motion instability. The proteins in the disc space can irritate the surrounding nerves. Abnormal micro-motion instability occurs when the outer rings of the discs are worn down and cannot absorb the stress on your spine as effectively as it once could. This then causes movement along the vertebral segment.

Diagnosing Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and what activities, positions, and treatments make your pain better or worse. You will then be given a physical exam targeted towards the lower back and legs. This examination may consist of your range of motion, muscle strength, and local tenderness. Diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as an X-Ray or MRI, to get an accurate diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disc disease.

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