Lumbar degenerative disc disease, commonly known as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is a condition where the intervertebral discs in your lower back deteriorate over time, resulting in the loss of fluid and flexibility. As a result, the discs are unable to cushion your spine properly, leading to pain and discomfort.

• Loss of hydration: a healthy lumbar disc consists of 90% fluid. However, as we age, the discs lose their fluidity and hydration, causing them to become dry, cracked, and thin. This reduces its ability to act as a shock absorber between the vertebrae, giving rise to pain and discomfort.
• Wear and tear: as we age, the discs become more susceptible to minor injuries such as small tears or cracks. This can lead to herniated or slipped discs, which can in turn lead to compression of nearby nerves. 

• Chronic lower back pain
• Pain that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Pain that improves when changing positions frequently
• Pain that spreads to your hips, buttocks, and legs
• Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
• Weakness in your legs
• Loss of reflexes in your legs
• Decreased range of motion in your lower back
• Stiffness in your lower back

The pain can also spread to other parts of your body, such as your hips, buttocks, and legs. The severity of the pain varies between individuals and ranges from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, the pain can be constant, while in others, it may come and go.

However, there are certain factors that increase your risk of developing lumbar degenerative disc disease, these are:

• Age: your risk of developing this condition increases if you are over 40 years old, as the discs in your spine naturally degenerate over time.
• Smoking: smoking damages healthy lumbar discs and accelerates the degeneration in discs that are already damaged.
• Weight: individuals who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing lumbar degenerative disc disease due to the extra weight and pressure placed on the discs, causing them to degrade quicker than normal.
• Genetics: a family history of lumbar degenerative disc disease increases your risk of developing the condition.
• Occupations/hobbies: jobs or participating in sports and activities that are high impact or involve twisting or bending the back may increase your risk of developing lumbar degenerative disc disease.
• Poor posture: having poor posture or weak back muscles may also increase your risk of developing degenerative disc disease.

• Physical examination: your orthopaedist will review your medical history and assess your range of motion, check for any neurological symptoms, and look for any signs of pain or discomfort.
• Imaging tests: x-rays, computed tomography scans (CT-scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed to see the extent of the damage to your discs and other problems that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.
• Nerve conduction test: conducted to investigate the receptivity of nerve signals and to identify if any alteration of sensation has occurred.

Some of these treatment options include:

• Medications: pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves gentle and therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles to support the spine.
• Injections: corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: in severe cases that have not responded well to other treatments, surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged disc or to fuse two or more vertebrae together to provide stability to the spine.