Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Common Symptoms

8. Muscle Weakness in the Legs or Hips

A degenerative back condition can lead to painful dysfunction in the legs. Damage to the nerve root may cause not only muscle weakness in the hips and legs but foot drop as well. Foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot off the floor. Radiating or burning pain and sensory loss may accompany the muscle weakness. If nerve root damage is the result of nerve compression, the individual may also exhibit a loss of reflexes. Compression can lead to the death of nerve cells, which may require surgical intervention.