Introduction discogenic back pain.

Back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability. There are many causes of back pain, and determining the source of the pain can help guide treatment of this common problem. Common causes of back pain include back muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions.

Sometimes the cause of back pain is thought to be due to degeneration, or wearing out, of the lumber intervertebral discs. This condition is called discogenic back pain, or lumbar disc pain.

 

Causes of discogenic back pain?

Exactly what causes lumbar disc pain is not well understood. There are differences that can be seen between a normal lumbar disc and a degenerative lumber disc. The problem is, lumbar disc degeneration is part of the normal aging process. The vast majority of degenerative discs cause no symptoms at all. Exactly why some people have significant pain is not well understood.

Furthermore, disc pain often gets better with time. Even though it is considered a “degenerative” or aging process, patients with discogenic back pain often improve over time. Many patients worry that the onset of discogenic pain is simply the beginning of endless back pain. That is usually not the case! Most patients with discogenic back pain will improve with time and some simple treatments.