So, now you know what causes Degenerative Disc Disease. However, sometimes people don't feel the symptoms of this condition. This is usually because they're still in the first stage of the DDD, known as the Dysfunction stage. Now, you may ask what happens in the first stage of DDD and when the signs of this condition become more prominent.

2. Stage 1: Dysfunction Stage
• The spine no longer has protection from forceful motion and shock
• Vertebrae start losing its natural curvature
• Discomfort, mild neck pain, or back pain
In most cases, all the signs and symptoms of DDD in this first stage are very mild. Due to
this, not many will be able to figure out if they're actually suffering from this condition.
However, visiting a medical professional or a Chiropractor can help you know if you have
DDD or not.
When your spine starts losing its natural curvature, the signs indicate that you might have
this condition going on. You may not face any pain when you're in the first stage. However,
the extra pressure on other discs can progress the aging of the joints, spine, nerves, etc.

3. Stage 2: Dehydration Stage
• A continuous loss of function
• Increase in discomfort, neck pain, or back pain (moderate pain level)
• Spinal deformity will become visible
• Bone spurs
• Disc dehydration
The disc's degradation becomes more noticeable when a person enters the second DDD
stage. You'll see them becoming thinner. Furthermore, bone spurs will be more common,
which will cause bone deformations. Your spine curvature will turn more unnatural, and
you may even notice the spinal canal narrowing.
The second stage is the starting of moderate pain and discomfort. Many notices they've
DDD in this stage only since occurring pain lead the patients to visit a doctor where they
learn of their condition.

4. Stage 3: Stabilization Stage
• A massive increase in the pain (Severe pain level)
• Muscle stiffness and aches
• Difficulty while moving
• Spinal stenosis
In most cases, all the signs and symptoms of DDD in this first stage are very mild. Due to
this, not many will be able to figure out if they're actually suffering from this condition.
However, visiting a medical professional or a Chiropractor can help you know if you
have DDD or not.
When your spine starts losing its natural curvature, the signs indicate that you might
have this condition going on. You may not face any pain when you're in the first stage.
However, the extra pressure on other discs can progress the aging of the joints, spine,
nerves, etc.

5. Stage 4: Collapsing Stage
• An extreme level of pain
• Collapse
The fourth or final stage of Degenerative Disc Disease is a highly severe condition
and is irreversible in most cases. Your bones will become too thin and might turn
herniated and collapse. There will be almost no flexibility in your spine, and the
pain will be frequent and of severe levels. The spine bones will fuse together, and
the nerve damage will be more prominent.