Hi Hubby--DDD is "degerative disc disease" . Depending on the severity, it can basically put pressure on the spinal chord and also other nerves. So, it is important to have an MRI and/or CT scan to evaluate the intergrity of the vertebrae (bones), spinal chord or other nerve compression.

Usually, there is a form that the patient fills out to desribe their symptoms, what activities, etc. aggravates the pain, numbness, etc. The Radiologist then correlates the patient's symptoms with the actual findings seen on the MRI or CT scan, which helps them better determine what is going on with the patient.

Hope this helps.

Brokenwings