Disc desiccation is a condition that occurs when the tissues of the discs between the vertebrae become dehydrated. The spinal discs are full of fluid, which keeps them flexible and sturdy. As you age, the discs begin to slowly lose their fluid, limiting their ability to function properly. Disc desiccation is a common feature of degenerative disc disease, which is a natural process of aging. The symptoms of disc desiccation depend on the area of the spine that is affected. Cervical spine disc desiccation causes neck pain, while lumbar disc desiccation will cause pain in the lower back. Other symptoms of disc desiccation include stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling sensation, and changes in reflexes.

Disc desiccation is usually caused by wear and tear on your spine, which happens naturally as you age. However, several other things can also cause disc desiccation, such as trauma from a car accident, fall, or sports injury, repeated strain on your back, especially from lifting heavy objects, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Doctors typically diagnose disc desiccation with imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. Treatment for disc desiccation depends on the level of disc degeneration, the number of discs impacted, and severity of the symptoms. In most cases, taking precautions at home and making lifestyle changes can manage or prevent pain from worsening. Short-term and long-term pain management strategies may be recommended to address risk factors and improve quality of life. Surgery may be necessary if these measures do not work. Possible procedures may include fusion, where the surgeon will join together the vertebrae surrounding the desiccated disc, and decompression, where the surgeon will remove extra bone or a disc material that has moved out of place in order to make more room for the spinal nerves.