In a patient diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which symptom is least expected?

In degenerative disc disease, one of the hallmark characteristics is that the pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Patients often experience persistent pain and stiffness, particularly as they go about their daily activities, which can make this type of symptom quite common.

The correct answer indicates that pain relief with rest is least expected since patients usually report increased discomfort when engaging in movement; resting tends to lessen the intensity of their symptoms. The other symptoms listed are more consistent with what patients experience in degenerative disc disease.

Persistent joint pain and stiffness throughout the day aligns with the progressive nature of the condition, as does the numbness and tingling, which can occur due to nerve compression from degenerated discs. Similarly, pain that disrupts sleep and requires position changes is characteristic of this condition, as the pain can intensify with certain postures during the night. Therefore, relief of pain with rest stands out as the least likely symptom in this scenario.