Lumbar disc degeneration is a complex biochemical process that occurs with the loss of normal water content within the disc resulting in the deterioration of the mechanical shock absorbing properties of the disc over time. This will lead to bulging and decreasing disc height. The cause most often is the natural aging process although various associated factors may accelerate the process. The question that exists is whether degenerative discs cause pain. Everyone will develop degeneration of the discs over time though certainly not all people are symptomatic with pain indicating that not all degenerative discs cause pain. Disc degeneration has been associated with smoking, obesity, female gender, occupational exposure, genetic predisposition, torsional activity, diabetes, and lack of exercise. A degenerative disc can generally be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI. Treatment usually consists of non-operative measures such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicine. If this fails and chronic pain persists then surgical options may be entertained.