A disc comprises the outer annulus and the inner nucleus pulposus. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the structure of the disc changes with ageing. An injury to the disc can sometimes accelerate this process.
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan. A discography may sometimes be used to determine the disc level that is causing the pain.
Reviewed by Dr. Mohd Mashfiqul Arafin Siddiqui (Dr. Mash), Senior Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, The Orthopaedic Centre, Farrer Park Hospital
