I've been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. How fast can I expect my pain to increase as my discs degenerate?

Your pain won't necessarily increase. Changes in the spine are part of aging. Sometimes the changes cause more pain, but often they don't. Even if you have spurs in your neck and back, the result is not necessarily increased pain. In some ways, the aging process actually can help stop pain. As your tissues lose water content and become stiffer, they generally don't move as much. Body parts that don't move usually don't cause as much pain.

You are more likely to handle the changes in your spine without increased pain if you stay fit and use good posture. If you have increasing pain, make sure to see your doctor before it gets out of control.