What is degenerative disc disease? Many low back pain and neck pain sufferers are told they have degenerative disc disease and, unfortunately, are prescribed unnecessary surgery. Degenerative disc disease is simply a result of the natural aging process and does not itself cause neck and back pain. When degenerative disc disease leads to other conditions that may cause pain, like a herniated disc or pinched nerve, most issues can be treated with conservative methods such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.