Spinal discs are round in diameter and flat on the top and bottom, and are attached securely to the vertebrae above and below them. The discs are somewhat pliable, providing shock absorption for the spine. Because of the many stresses sustained by the spine and changes due to aging, the disc is somewhat prone to injury, which in turn can lead to pain and other symptoms which are disc injuries.
Degenerative disc disease is a misunderstood condition, despite being one of the leading sources of back pain and neck pain. This condition is not actually a disease — it is part of the normal aging of the spine. In this condition, the discs in the spine (the pillow-like pads between the bones) lose their cushioning. When this happens, it can cause persistent pain in the lower back, legs, neck or arms.