You’re out for a walk and bend down to tie your shoes when suddenly…it hits you. You feel a sharp pain in your lower back – nearly debilitating. Standing up becomes a 5-step process. If this scenario sounds eerily familiar to you….you might have degenerative disc disease. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a medical condition that affects the spinal discs between the vertebrae. Over time, the spinal discs lose fluid and flexibility, making them less effective in cushioning the spine. This leads to pain and discomfort, with common symptoms of DDD including back pain, neck pain, and muscle weakness.