Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called degenerative disc disease (DDD) or osteoarthritis of the spine, is a common disorder of the lower spine. Disc degeneration can lead to disorders such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, which houses the spinal cord, and tne neuroforamen, which houses thenerve roots). It can be in lumbar, thoracic, or cervical, spine. Spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of the disc and vertebra), and retrolisthesis (backward slippage of the disc and vertebra).
Actually, degenerative disc disease is not a disease but, rather, a degenerative condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of life. Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging and is generally not a problem by itself. However, when advanced and bone spurs grow adjacent to the discs, they can pinch or put pressure on the nearby nerve roots or spinal canal, causing pain.