Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Common Symptoms

6. Neck or Arm Pain

Those with degenerative disc disease experience pain that is directly related to the location of the affected disc. If the disc is in the neck area, the individual will most likely feel pain in the neck, possibly beginning as stiffness, that radiates into the shoulder, arm, and hand. As the cervical discs lose fluid, they dry out and become less flexible. The distance between the vertebrae decreases and interferes with the normal range of motion. Simple movements, such as turning the head, may become painful.