can  degenerative disc disease go up the back
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease? For some of us, degenerative disc disease is part of the natural process of growing older. As we age, our intervertebral discs can lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics. For others, degenerative disc disease can stem from an injury to the back. Degenerative disc disease may cause back and/or leg pain, as well as functional problems such as tingling or numbness in your legs or buttocks, or difficulty walking. The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease begins with a physical examination of the body, with special attention paid to the back and lower extremities.