Incorrectly referred to as a disease, degeneration of the discs is a normal part of the aging process. Though it commonly affects everyone over the age of 50, not everyone has symptoms. Those that do may experience pain, numbness and tingling, and weakness, either directly in the affected spine region or along the nerve path to the extremities.

Our Healthwise section offers an excellent overview of the condition, diagnostic tests and treatment in the degenerative disc disease section. You can find additional information under spinal diseases in MedlinePlus®, a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.

For more information on disc conditions, select one of the following:

• Cervical Disc Conditions
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Herniated Disc