Spinal discs are made up of cartilage and provide natural cushioning for the spinal vertebrae. Damage to any of these discs is likely to result in chronic back pain and the location of the pain will depend on the position of the damaged disc. Some of the most common degenerative disc disease symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens with specific movements such as bending or twisting
• Periods of severe pain that come and go
• Pain that radiates to the nearest limb
• Lower back pain (if the degenerated disc is in the lower back)
• Pain in the neck and shoulders (if the degenerated disc is in the upper back)
• Tingling in the legs or fingers which is caused by nerve impingement

Loss of fluid in the disc

The center of a healthy disc can contain up to 80 per cent water which allows it to function as a shock absorber. When the water content in these discs starts to decrease, they are no longer as spongy and flexible which puts pressure on the outer layer of the disc.

Tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc

Pressure on the outer layer of a disc can result in the development of small tears. The jellylike material from inside the disc can then seep through these cracks – a condition known as a herniated disc.