Disc degeneration is a form of arthritis that occurs when discs dry out and lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae. This wear-and-tear of the joints is most commonly a result of growing older but can also be caused by a combination of other factors including frequent heavy lifting or a family history of spinal problems.

Oftentimes, arthritis in the spine is hardly recognizable due to the lack of symptoms. When symptoms do arise, the most common include neck pain, occasional pain in the shoulder blades, sporadic tingling sensations in the arm/fingers, numbness in the arm/fingers, muscle weakness, and loss of strength.