Q: What is lumbar disc disease?  Can it be caused by a car accident?

A:  Lumbar disc disease can entail many things; degenerative disc disease, annular tears in the disc, bulging disc, and even herniated discs.

Degenerative disc disease is a wear-and-tear process that happens over many years (much like osteoarthirits is to bones and joints) and is not caused by car accidents.

Annular tears, bulging, and herniations are more acute injuries often occuring with trauma and may or may not be caused by a car accident.