Types

Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease

Choose a preferred language

Your spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. They are stacked on top of each other. The lumbar spine is your lower back. And the sacral spine is below that, in your pelvis. The vertebrae support and protect your spinal cord.

Online Medical Reviewer: Chamberlain, Kevin, DO

Online Medical Reviewer: Sohrabi, Farrokh, MD

Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2021

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member and Recipient Services Team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Medial / Lateral Collateral Injuries

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that add strength and give stability to a joint. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee can be damaged when the knee is hit on the outer side, as can occur in football or hockey. This video looks at how these injuries are treated and what can be done to prevent them.

Read article
Wellness
Keeping Your Back Healthy

Back pain is one of the most common health problems today. In fact, most people experience back pain at some point in their lives. Normal aging and some physically demanding occupations often cause discs to wear out. Bad posture and poor movement patterns can speed up the process.

Read article
Orthopedics
Shoulder (AC) Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the AC joint in the shoulder is common in middle-aged or older adults. This video explains how this condition develops and how you can minimize its effects.

Read article
Orthopedics
Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and other weight-bearing joints in the body. Sometimes called the "wear and tear" arthritis, advancing age is a risk factor, but so are obesity and severe injury to the joint. This video discusses the symptoms, treatment, and steps you can take to minimize pain from osteoarthritis.