A herniated lumbar disc is not usually a direct cause of morning stiffness. A herniated lumbar disc is usually caused by degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, whereas morning stiffness is usually associated with rheumatic and immune diseases, and there is no direct causal relationship between the two. If a person with a herniated disc develops morning stiffness, it is recommended that rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis be considered as a priority.