Case Study 212 – Lumbar Disc Replacement for Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where the intervertebral discs lose hydration, height, and elasticity over time. In the lumbar spine, this can lead to chronic low back pain, stiffness, and sometimes disc displacement, where the disc bulges or herniates and irritates nearby nerves. While many patients do well with conservative care, some continue to have pain that significantly affects daily life despite years o