Discogenic pain is pain originating from a damaged vertebral disc, particularly due to degenerative disc disease. However, not all degenerated discs cause pain. Disc degeneration occurs naturally with age.

Once a fully degenerated disc no longer has any inflammatory proteins that can cause pain, the disc enters into a stable position. Hence, discogenic pain rarely occurs after 60 years of age.

Discogenic pain can usually be successfully treated with non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication and physical therapy and exercise, but chronic discogenic pain that is severe and limits the individual’s ability to function may need to be treated with surgery.