Degenerative Spine Diseases Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Degenerative Spine Diseases Overview Degenerative spine disease refers to a group of conditions wherein changes in the spine occur due to ageing, wear and tear, or injury. It primarily affects the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and associated structures, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially neurological symptoms. Symptoms Intermittent or persistent pain in the neck and back, which may radiate to one or both lower limbs. The pain can be localised to a particular region (front or back of thigh/legs).Stiffness in the back.Occasionally, weakness of the legs or bowel and bladder involvement may occur if the compression is severe. Diagnosis Physical examination of the spine to assess if there is any structural deformity, and evaluation of the range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.Radiography (X-ray) to assess the vertebral bodies, disc space, bony spurs, and spinal alignment.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify nerve and spinal cord compression and assess soft tissue. Treatment Non-surgical treatmentConservative non-surgical treatment methods include:Physical therapy with strengthening exercises, stretching, and posture correction.Medication to relieve pain and muscle spasms.Activity modification.Interventions, such as epidural steroid injection, facet joint injection, and nerve root injection.Surgical treatmentDecompression through laminectomy.Discectomy with or without spinal fusion.These are decided by the treating surgeon based on the patient’s condition.