Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, and over time everybody will exhibit some changes in their discs. However, a degenerating disc does not always cause symptoms to develop. In fact, degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its nature and severity. Back pain is one of the most common health problems facing people today. It is the second most common reason for a doctor’s visit, behind only to the common cold. Billions of dollars are spent annually on treating back pain, which is also a very common cause of disability. More than 90% of people will experience an episode of debilitating back pain at some point in their lifetime. While there are many causes of back pain, the most common cause is a disorder of the lumbar intervertebral discs. The spine is divided into three parts, and the lumbar spine is the lowest part of the spine. The intervertebral discs are shock absorbers, or spacers, that are located in the spine between the bones of the spine, called vertebrae (hence the name “intervertebral”). The makeup of a disc is similar to that of a jelly donut, in that it has a soft gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus, which has a very limited blood supply, and a thicker outer fibrous structure called the anulus fibrosis, which has sensitive nerves dispersed within it. The purpose of the disc is to allow movement and to provide shock absorbing capability. However, much like a jelly donut, if too much pressure is applied, the disc can bulge out of place or break apart. This is called a “herniation.”