Out-of-state? Free MRI review + telehealth consult before you travel4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviewsBoard-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryMinimally invasive, same-day spine surgery in Beverly HillsCall (424) 217-7463
Out-of-state? Free MRI review + telehealth consult before you travel4.9 ★ · 619 Google reviewsBoard-certified — American Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryMinimally invasive, same-day spine surgery in Beverly HillsCall (424) 217-7463
Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease. It describes the gradual changes that happen as the cushioning discs between the vertebrae lose water, height, and flexibility over time. As a disc dehydrates, it flattens and stops absorbing load the way it once did, which can leave the surrounding joints and nerves working harder than they should.
The hallmark is axial pain — a deep, aching soreness centered in the low back or neck rather than shooting down a limb. It often flares with sitting, bending forward, or lifting, and eases when you change position or walk around. Many people have disc degeneration on imaging and no pain at all, so the goal is always to match the treatment to the symptoms, not just the MRI.
Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain, affecting millions of Americans each year.
Healthy spinal discs support movement, absorb shock, and promote weight-bearing activities. Over time, however, wear and tear, reduced hydration, and micro-injuries cause these discs to lose height and resilience. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain that can radiate into the arms or legs, depending on which region of the spine is affected. This degeneration most often affects the lower back (lumbar region) and neck (cervical spine), sometimes compressing nearby nerves and causing radiating pain.
At the heart of Beverly Hills, The Spine Pro—founded by Dr. Hooman Melamed, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon—offers a modern, compassionate approach to spinal health. With over 20 years of experience and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and multiple-time SuperDoctors award recipient, Dr. Melamed is known for his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery.
For those struggling with chronic back or neck pain, particularly from degenerative disc disease, The Spine Pro provides evidence-based treatment options.
✓Deep, aching pain centered in the low back or neck
✓Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
✓Relief when walking or changing positions
✓Stiffness after long periods of rest
✓Flare-ups that come and go over months or years
✓Occasional radiating pain if a nerve becomes involved
Degenerative disc disease can appear subtly, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to disabling pain. It most commonly affects adults between 30 and 50 years old, though it can appear earlier in athletes or those with physically demanding jobs. Other signs include:
Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs.
Muscle weakness or “foot drop,” indicating nerve involvement.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Natural, age-related drying and thinning of the discs
Loss of disc height that shifts load onto nearby joints
Small tears in the outer disc wall (annular tears)
Repetitive strain from work, sport, or heavy lifting
Prior injury that accelerates wear at one level
Genetic tendency toward earlier disc changes
Aging remains the leading cause of disc degeneration, but lifestyle and genetics also play key roles. The spinal discs contain very little blood supply, which limits their ability to self-repair after injury. Over time, this can lead to their gradual breakdown and chronic pain. Other contributing factors include:
Smoking: Reduces oxygen flow to the discs, hindering healing.
Excess body weight: Adds pressure on the lumbar spine and accelerates disc collapse.
In some cases, a sudden injury—like a fall or car accident—can also trigger or worsen degeneration.
Pinpointing the Exact Source of Pain
Dr. Melamed begins by pinpointing where the pain sits and what makes it better or worse, since axial disc pain behaves differently from nerve pain. An MRI shows which discs have lost height and hydration, and standing X-rays reveal how the spine carries load and whether any level has become unstable. The aim is to confirm that a specific worn disc is truly the pain generator before considering anything invasive.
Since degenerative disc disease can mimic other spinal conditions, an accurate diagnosis through imaging and neurological assessment is essential. At The Spine Pro, Dr. Melamed uses advanced diagnostic imaging and functional movement assessments to pinpoint the exact source of pain before developing a personalized treatment plan.
Evidence-Based Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most disc-related back pain responds to patient, well-structured non-surgical care, so that is where Dr. Melamed starts. A focused physical therapy program to strengthen the core and support the spine, activity adjustments, anti-inflammatory measures, and at times an image-guided injection or a targeted procedure like Intracept to quiet the pain signals coming from the vertebral endplates. This phase is given a real, honest trial.
At The Spine Pro, surgery is the last resort. Dr. Melamed’s approach begins with conservative and regenerative treatments to support the body’s natural healing processes. His model focuses on addressing inflammation, improving posture, and optimizing spinal alignment.
Surgical Treatment Options When Conservative Care Fails
When one worn level is clearly the source and pain persists despite that effort, Dr. Melamed favors the least-invasive path that fits the problem. Where the disc still allows motion, artificial disc replacement can preserve movement rather than lock the segment. In cases with true instability, a muscle-sparing minimally invasive stabilization may be discussed — but always framed as a last resort, done through small incisions without stripping the muscle, and only after conservative care has been given its due.
When non-surgical treatments are not enough, Dr. Melamed offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive degenerative disc disease surgery that reduces trauma, minimizes scarring, and promotes faster recovery.
Spinal Fusion
In cases of severe instability, spinal fusion may be necessary. It stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two vertebrae with bone grafts and specialized hardware. However, Dr. Melamed uses fusion only when absolutely essential, often favoring motion-preserving alternatives.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Artificial disc replacement entails replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one, restoring both disc height and mobility. This approach helps prevent adjacent-segment degeneration and maintains a more natural range of motion.
Recovery, Prognosis, and Quality of Life Improvements
The majority of patients treated at The Spine Pro experience substantial improvement within weeks and long-term pain relief. Non-surgical patients often recover through ongoing therapy and posture training, while those undergoing minimally invasive surgery typically return to normal activities in 2–4 weeks.
Dr. Melamed’s recovery programs emphasize core strengthening, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and ergonomic retraining, helping patients maintain their results and prevent recurrence. For many, this holistic approach leads to substantial relief, improved function, and a renewed quality of life.
Even after successful treatment, ongoing prevention is key. The following simple daily habits can slow the progression of degeneration and protect your spine for years to come:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine.
Engage in low-impact exercise such as swimming, yoga, or Pilates.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Practice good posture at work and during leisure activities.
Take regular breaks from sitting—motion keeps discs nourished.
By embracing these lifestyle habits and continuing with follow-up care, patients can dramatically improve their spinal longevity and comfort.
Watch Dr. Melamed explain
The Facts About Degenerative Disc Disease · Dr. Hooman Melamed on YouTube
Does degenerative disc disease get worse over time?
The disc changes themselves are permanent and part of normal aging, but the pain does not always track with them. Many people find their symptoms settle and stay manageable for years with the right conditioning and activity habits, even as the imaging looks unchanged.
Do I need a fusion for a degenerated disc?
Rarely. Most disc pain improves with non-surgical care, and when a procedure is warranted, motion-preserving options like artificial disc replacement are often possible. Dr. Melamed reserves stabilization for genuine instability and treats it as a last resort, not a first step.
Why does my back hurt more when I sit?
Sitting loads the front of the spine and the discs more than standing does, so a worn, sensitive disc often protests when you sit for a while and eases once you stand and move. That pattern is a useful clue that a disc is the pain generator.
