Degenerative disc disease is very, very common. I don’t think there’s any connection to IBD or J-pouch surgery at all. I had back surgery a couple of years ago that helped enormously, but mine had becom very severe, affecting strength in my leg. The surgery wasn’t very bad, but many people with back pain are better off without it. I hope you find some relief!

I agree with Scott, with one caveat. I was diagnosed with enteropathic arthritis about a decade after my colectomy for UC, although I had symptoms since 20 years before my colectomy. It just was not significant to make the connection. Anyway, my diagnosis was made basically due to chronic low back/upper buttock pain. I also have some degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. My rheumatologist said that enteropathic arthritis can accelerate the degeneration.

You mainly need to see a rheumatologist to determine if there is a connection.

Jan