It is a reflex, and although the body's response of muscle spasm is not necessary for the safety of the nerve roots, it can be quite painful. The muscle spasms associated with the instability are thought to cause the flare-ups of intense pain often associated with degenerative disc disease.Article continues below.nflammation. The proteins contained within the disc space can cause a lot of inflammation, and as a general rule inflammation will cause pain. 1  In the lumbar disc space, the low back pain can radiate into the hips.