Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of lower back pain. However, most people who have degenerative disc disease have minimal or no low back pain. A disc herniation is the internal jelly or cushion that has come out from the center of the disc. Loss of this cushion can lead to chronic lower back pain in about 10% of patients.
About the Author: Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.