First your doctor will look at MRI results which show the degree of disc degeneration. Other conditions will be considered if the pain becomes worse. Some symptoms are common to someone with degenerative disc disease, pain levels will go up and down depending on how active you are. f you think you may have degenerative disk disease you should become aware of the symptoms lower back pain causes. Low back pain becomes worst when sitting or standing, activities that require, bending, lifting or twisting or lower back pain is eased by changing positions or lying down.