Intervertebral Disc Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Intervertebral Disc Disease?
An orthopedic doctor, who treats bone and joint problems, or a primary care doctor often leads care for intervertebral disc disease. Pain specialists, neurologists (nerve and spine doctors), and neurosurgeons (spine and nerve surgeons) may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is intervertebral disc disease?
Intervertebral disc disease is a common condition. One or more of the discs between the bones of the spine break down. These bones are called vertebrae. The discs cushion the vertebrae and absorb pressure on the spine.
The breakdown can cause pain in the back or neck, and often in the legs and arms. Discs in the lower back are most often affected, but any part of the spine can have disc degeneration.
About 5 percent of people in developed countries are estimated to have it each year. Most people have some disc degeneration as they age. How bad it gets, and how much pain it causes, varies.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the affected discs are. Pain can come and go, or it can last a long time. Common signs include:
- Back or neck pain that is often worse when sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting.
- Pain, weakness, and numbness in the back and legs when a herniated disc (one that pushes out) presses on a spinal nerve.
- Sciatica, which is nerve pain that travels along the sciatic nerve down the leg.
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs if bone spurs pinch the spinal nerves.
Bone spurs can form at the edges of the vertebrae as a disc breaks down. If they press on the spinal cord, a person can have problems with walking and with bladder and bowel control.
Causes and who gets it
Intervertebral disc disease comes from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Changes in several genes are linked to it. The most common are genes for collagens, proteins that support tissues such as cartilage.
Other risk factors include aging, smoking, obesity, chronic inflammation, and driving for long periods of time. It can also run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor starts by asking about your medical and family history. Then comes a physical exam. The doctor may look at your spine and posture, ask you to bend or lift your legs, and test your reflexes, muscle strength, and feeling.
Most people do not need more tests. Common tests include:
- X-rays, which show bones, changes due to aging, and the alignment of the spine.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which uses a strong magnet to make pictures and can show damage to soft tissues such as the discs, ligaments, and nerve roots.
Treatment
These treatments are listed for back pain in general, which includes disc pain. Doctors use medicines, other nonsurgical treatments, and sometimes surgery. Medicines may include:
- Pain relievers that you take by mouth or put on the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs taken by mouth to ease pain and inflammation.
- Muscle relaxants for some types of chronic back pain from muscle tension.
- Anti-inflammatory or numbing injections for certain types of back pain, such as leg pain from a squeezed or irritated nerve.
Cold packs can relieve some pain. Hot packs can help muscles and tissues heal. Do not stay in bed. Limit activities that cause pain, then slowly do more as you can. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles that support your back. Healthy habits, including quitting smoking, also help.
Surgery may be suggested if all other treatments have not relieved your pain.
Spinal fusion is one surgery that helps treat degenerative disc disease. The surgeon removes the disc between the vertebrae and uses bone grafts or metal devices to hold the bones together.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your back pain does not improve after a few weeks of home care. Also see a doctor if you lose weight without trying to, or if you feel hot, shivery, or unwell along with the back pain. Pain, weakness, or numbness in one leg can mean a nerve is pinched, so tell your doctor about it.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have back pain with pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in both legs, numbness around your genitals or bottom, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels. Trouble starting to pee, or peeing or pooing without meaning to, counts. Also call for a serious spine injury, such as from a car crash, or for sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can take your history, examine your back, and arrange imaging or refer you for it. They can also help with long-term plans such as exercise, weight, and quitting smoking, and refer you to a spine specialist or physical therapist when needed.
Common questions
Does disc degeneration happen with age?
Yes, most people have some disc degeneration as they age. How bad it gets, and how much pain it causes, varies from person to person.
Can intervertebral disc disease run in families?
Yes, it can run in families. A parent or sibling with the condition raises your risk.
Does intervertebral disc disease always need surgery?
No, surgery is not the first step. Surgery may be suggested if all other treatments have not relieved your pain, and not everyone can have it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Intervertebral disc disease
- NHS - Back pain
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - Back Pain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
