Degenerative Disc Disease
October 15th, 2008 | by admin |
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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Discs Are Reversible
Degenerative Disc Disease is the deterioration of the fragile and thin cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine. Degeneration of the disc, medically referred to as spondylosis, can be noted on x ray tests by the narrowing of the normal disc space between adjacent vertebrae, thereby causing pain (from mild to severe depending on the amount of degeneration) by the rubbing or touching of the vertebrae bones. This loss of cartilage can be caused by loss of water in the cartilage and usually, but not always, occurs with aging.
However, degenerative discs are reversible. You will probably not hear that from your health care professional. When degenerative discs are detected, the doctors immediately prescribe pain medication and cortisone to reduce the inflammation. However, continued use of cortisone has many serious side effects such as increased appetite and weight gain, water and salt retention, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, cataracts, and/or stomach ulcers, just to name a few.
The next step following the cortisone is spinal fusion. The goal of spinal fusion is to eliminate the motion of the vertebrae at a spinal segment, thus reducing pain caused by the motion. This is done by one of two ways, either by using metallic screws and rods/plates or inter-body cages to immobilize the spine, which can loosen, break or pull out of the bone. Plus, more pain could result if the operation is unsuccessful; thereby leading to additional procedures and subsequent pressure placed on the neighboring discs, and the progression is repeated.
I suffered from degenerative discs and through exercise was able to reverse it. The bones that were degenerative were at my waist and developed because I did not have curvature in my lower spine, thereby making the cartilage between the bones in the lumbar region degenerate. By exercising to open up the degenerative discs, I was able to build up the discs and even lost one-half inch in height because the curvature was put back into my spine. By working with my chiropractor on a regular basis to keep my spinal cord aligned and in correct adjustment, exercising my back by specific exercises targeting the area of disc degeneration, and wearing either a back belt and/or using special seat cushions and pillows, the degenerating discs were reversed.
The exercise the worked for me because of the specific area of my spine (the lumbar area) that degenerated was the yoga cobra pose. This exercise is great for people with lower back pain and decreases stiffness in the lower back, enlarges the chest and strengthens the arms and shoulders.
To perform the cobra pose:
Step 1: Lie on your belly while your head rests on your lower arms.
Step 2: Raise your forehead, look upwards and stretch your hands backwards. Let your weight rest on your chest.
Step 3: The head falls a little backwards towards your back and the backward movement proceeds from the neck and the chin. Move your belly further backward as if someone is pulling your arms. The weight is more and more shifted towards the belly and the lower back does the real work.
This exercise opens up the space between the vertebrae, thereby building up the cartilage between the discs. Also, drink a lot of water to hydrate the body, but more specifically the cartilage.
This exercise only works for the degenerative disks that degenerated at the front of the spine (facing forward). For exercising different types of degenerative discs, the recommendation would be to exercise in order to open up the side that lost the cartilage.
The reversal of the degenerative discs does not happen overnight, but takes time and consistency. However, the result is pain free with no adverse side effects.
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com
This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.
41 Responses to “Degenerative Disc Disease”
By Ryan Lore on Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
I have been diagnosed with D.D.D.-disc disease, I have been suffering for two and a half years and have been shuffled through our health care system between about 20 different supposed experts/health care profesionals. I have done physical therapy,injections,pain management, I’ve tried joint suppliments….seen suregons,spine institutes,kidney specalist’s,had every possible scan,mri,bone scan,ultra sound,x-ray ect.. I’m in constant agonizing pain,I’m at the end of my rope I’m about to take a gun and blow a hole in the area were the pain is coming from, I’m in manegement in a very large corp. and need to get back to my normal life.Besides the physical pain it has effected me emotionaly and mentally. I spent 10’s of thousands of dollars trying to fix the problem and I have lost all hope and faith in our health care system, If I had the same results as the Dr’s I’ve seen in my profession I would’t have a JOB!! PLEASE HELP ME BEFORE I REALLY LOSE IT!!ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPECIATED.
By Bonnie on Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
I too have cervical DDD with 4 discs affected with bone spurs, bulging and all compressing the nerves. It aggravates the back of my head with sub occipital and occipital nuerolgia as well as trigeminal nueralgia and hemisperic spasm. I also have fibromyalgia/myofacial complex and neucrocic jaws. I’ve been suffering with this for 4 years so far.
Stress aggravates it, so I don’t know how you work in management. I will let you know what has worked for me to get some relief. First, humor, if you can switch something from stressful to humorous it won’t hurt as much. Rest whenever you can. Take hot baths or dip in a hot tub. Massages help but can hurt during and the day after. I started taking Lyrica for my fibromyalgia but wonder if it helps the DDD as well because it blocks the nerve signals. One of the best things I did was hypnosis.
My next stop is a neurosurgeon. I want relief so I can do normal stuff like clean the tub, wash windows or work in my garden without suffering for a week afterward.
The main thing is keep on keeping on.
By Angela Gorton on Oct 24, 2008 | Reply
I took a hit full force in the face and head was knocked out and have suffered with severe headaches, nausea, and intense neck pain since February. I have had several MRIs and an MRA. The early MRI and the recent MRI still show 2 bluges in my neck. The Dr. said they have not ruptured yet. She has referred me to a neurologist and has the diganosis as degenerative disc disease as a result of the neck trauma. I will go and listen to a consultation but if I am told that surgery is the only relief I can expect then I will learn to deal with the pain. I have gone the gamut with pain medication and the painful shots in the back of my head and neck, as well as traction and physical therapy. I even had my gall bladder out because the Dr. thought the nausea was do to a malfunction of the gall bladder. Nothing has come close to relieving the pain. There is tempoary relief with cold packs and hot packs. Sleeping is a joke. I dope myself with the pain meds and the sleeping meds but I’m still up and down all night.
I would like to know if this is typical of this type of head and neck trauma, being diagnosed as DDD?
I can and will keep on keeping on
By jack erickson on Oct 25, 2008 | Reply
i was told i have D.D.D. with arthritisand pinch nevers in my spine ,. i can’t lift over 3# if i do i drop it,. i can’t walk ,stand,sit over 4-5 mins then my legs shake,sometime like after a shower i can’t walk, my legs,feet don’t work,like my sence to walk is forgoten. i tell my self to lift my leg,but it don’t work..and at the same time i shake.legs,feet arms.what can i do.the DR. does’nt seem to know..i’m 53 yrs. old . is it over for me.
By Jan Bladorn on Oct 26, 2008 | Reply
I have had back problems now for 12 years+! I have been diagnosed with DDD, Fibro Mialgia, Spinal Stenoais, Depression! I’m only 47 years of age and I feel my life is over as I am not able to do what I once was able to do! Like Ryan Lore I have been through ever test, exam, Milograms, MRI’s, Injections, etc. I have now Disc what-so-ever between my L4 and L5. They are wanting to do surgery, yet being retired from the medical field and seeing so many of my patients go in for surgery and come out worse than they went in I do not want to take that route. I take care of two families on a fixed income, and I feel the same about blowing a hole through my head instead my back, although I know thats not the right thing to do, yet what is? It does affect you physcially as well as mentally. I’m on so many medications now its a wonder I still have any brain left at all. I would be willing to try plastic fusion, yet where I live I wouldnt trust them to operate on my dog. Where do you go from here? ANY SUGGESTIONS???? I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY LIFE BACK.
By Kristine Spears on Oct 26, 2008 | Reply
I am 38yrs old and i have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and ddd also depression. i am very active also love to ride horeses and do things with my family. It has been hard for me to just get out of bed, and try to keep from feeling all the pain while im trying to keep my mind on my job. I have had all those tests and im on a few meds, i just want to feel normal again and injoy life. Im not alone thats for sure after reading other peoples comments….
By Jan Bladorn on Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
Once again I write, I did not proof read what I wrote yesterday therefore it probally didnt make any sense. Again I state that I have had back problems for 12+ years, its a blessing that the good Lord lets me put my feet on the floor each morning, as I stated as all you others it is very frustrating and depressing knowing I cant do what I once was able to do. I was just recentaly put on an anti-depressant by the name of Cymbalta for anxiety which has really help me cope with a lot of my depression. Being 5′9″ and weighing 125 lbs is depressing in itself, being on all these meds have caused me to lose so much weight. There are so many things out there to help people to lose weight, yet nothing for toothpicks like me to gain weight and this truly bothers me.
Dropping from 14lbs and wearing 11/12’s to 125 lbs and a 2 long is extremely depressing. I feel for anyone whom has back problems because it does change your whole way of living. May God Bless You All, and may something come available to help us get back to our normal lives.
By Jan Bladorn on Oct 27, 2008 | Reply
P/S that was suppose to be 145 lbs, sorry guys, I need to learn to proof read what I write. Thanks again for reading!!!!
By Deborah on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
I am 45,please excuse typos, I have a full arm cast on…(smile)
I just found out I have DDD, by reading my workers comp docter notes (epecodilitese, tennise elbow)My DDD is not work related not has it started effecting my work ability.
It says it is in my c4 and c5 (neck area) and l somthing (lowerback) with an 8mm?
As my work injuries have improved, I knew my back was hurting more (now I know why) what can I do, does soda and caffine really make it worse!
Help would like any feed back that might help
ty
By Leroy on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
I guess this is the site to visit since I’ve read so many people views on DDD. I am one of you as well. I am also at the end of my rope with lower back pain. Mine is L4 through S1. I find it hard to sleep, walk sit or even stand. The pain varies day to day but most are bad. I have had this peoblem for years but wasn’t sure what to do. I finally had to go sign on with the welfare system because I also am in need of a left hip replacement. I am only 47 and feeling more like 77. I am doubtful that I’ll be able to find much in since the pain from my back causes me to be limited in so many physical ways. I don’t know if I’ll qualify for SSDI either? Heck, I’m living through this w/o any pain pills too.:(
Best of luck my fellow DDD’s
By Jill on Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
I am 32 years old and feel about 60 with this disc problem. My disc is L5 S1, the lowest disc on the spine. I too have been through all the tests, the pain pills, physical therapy for six months, MRI, Cat scan, sacriolic injections, radiofrequency neuroblation, you name it. I am so tired of it. It really is starting to affect me emotionally. When I start to think about my pain, I am crying almost all the time. I used to be very active, play sports, I have two young children. I can’t even get on the floor to play with them without paying for it with 3 hours of pain afterwards. I guess it’s nice to know that I am not the only one that is going through this. I don’t know what to do. The doctor wants to either replace the disc, or do fusion. I am concerned about both options. I have tried all the other things, and while some of it has helped, I feel like I just want to get back to enjoying my life. I don’t know what to do.
By Tina on Nov 2, 2008 | Reply
I am a 32yr old with this ddd and have been though all the phisical theripy.aqua theripy,chiropratic theripy,pain pills, Masasse, and cortizone shots which I dont suggest to anyone because I suffered a spinal head ache for 3 months because the Doctor punctured my column that carries spinal fluid in the back and also cushions your brain. It was awful.Anyways the doctor im seeing now wants to do a fussion but I need to stop smoking.I honestly dont know if I want to risk being worse or having it done for nothing. Im going to see about getting social security disability because there is no way I can hold any job in this shape.
By LeeAnn on Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
MY Chiropractor is the only thing that has helped! I am 29 with four kids and have ddd L5 and S1.A good friend had the same disc problem S1 and L5 got the surgery and it still not “fixed”! Find a good Chiropractor!!!!!!
By cam on Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
I have had DDD since 1995, but my real pain started in 2005, I have gone to Dr.s and Dr.s, all they have to say, you gonna have to live with it, but Iam only 43,This is aling time to live with pain. Here are things they suggest you do, which Iam trying, but I hurt worst. PT, massage, heat, cold, exercise, walk, what do these people think I was doing, and I had a jobs. Now Iam losing this job, because I can’t do it. So, Iam $20000.00 in debt and this is just the start…. These Dr.s just keep sending to a difference Dr.!!! Where are the answers? I feel Iam going around in circles!!!
By Tracy on Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
I was diagnosed with DDD and degenative joint disease and now have 6 affected disks. I have decided I am not going to let the pain win. I just bought a new eliptical exerciser, my old one broke due to over use and hard sessions on it. I understand all of your pain and discomfort.I am a supervisor at a local retail store, third shift and have two young children at home during the day. I know how hard it is to shuffle career and kids and pain. You can’t let it win, you need to keep moving. Try floating, its available through PT and some gyms. I am going to try it next. Neurosurgeons and Pt doesn’t work but there is something out there that does. You need to keep trying life is too short to just give up. I lost 60 pounds and I’m in excruciating pain all day everyday and I will beat it. I WILL
By katrina on Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
hello i am trying to info on bilateral djd which i was diagonise with from my doctor it consists of swelling in my right knee sharp pains in my right knee and popping in my right leg. please send info asap to deal w/pain i can only find info for spine
By Diana on Nov 5, 2008 | Reply
Nov.5 By Diana,47 I have had D.D.D. and Fibromyalgia for 20 years. My pain specialist has incerted an morphine pump inplant 6yrs ago. It keeps me comfortable but if I engage in activity pain killers are required definately better than the oxycontin rollercoaster. Keep a possitive look on life and try the best you can, people love you and care.
By Sandy on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
I was just diagnosed with DDD and Fibromyalgia, and after reading all these blogs, I’m scared to death that I will never feel better! My doctors have yet to decide on a course of treatment, but I think I will try acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. Thank goodness I have good insurance. Diana, you are right about keeping a positive outlook. I’m just not going to let anyone see me whine about this even though it hurts like hell.
By Sally Mettler on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
In the last three weeks I have had paralysis for 4 to 5 min. 3 times a few days apart. It was from the waist to my feet. I was so shocked. I sought medical treatment and finally ended up getting a MRI. I had surgery 20 years ago and it was a problem with a MRI. Anyway the Test showed I have a mild progression of degenerative disk disease at multiple levels. I am not in a lot of pain due to a good neurologist who shot me up with cortisone last year and pain killers.I also take Celebrex(anti-inflammatory}. and a muscle relaxant. I’ve
By teena on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
W0w! We aren’t alone.. Im n0w 27yrs. & ive been diagn0ised with DDD when i was 24. And i d0 feel very old t00–it sucks. But, ‘yes’., exercise & humor d0 help. I underwent two surgerys 0n L4&L5 & literally speakin’, i’m screwed. Although times get bitter& very painful, i keep@me with much prayer, exercise, & maintain my intakes–in both, diet &mentality. F0r all 0f yalz, who are alongside me, believe me–i feel ur pain. & that’ll only push me m0re 2praying& maintaining exercise&diet. Like i read earlier, …. “keep on keeping 0n.” & i g0tchalz in me prayers. Despite tha despites., smile.
By troy somers on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
im 39 ive been to the docs and had all the test done too i have degenerative disc disease ,lumdar spondylosis,and spinal stenosis my back hurt all the time and and is there and one out there can tell me what to do ? pill dont work it hard to get up and down and to get to sleep thank you all
By Lisa Bigardi on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
I have degenerative condition in lumbar l through 5. It is nowattacking my leg. I have beentold of a new procedure referred to as the cadaver placement. It is suppose to be very good. However, I am not certain about this and it is only done at very bigmedical centers.
By Lisa Bigardi on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
I do not have a web site, is that necessary? If a web site is necessary how do Igo about getting this, really bneed advice?
By tina on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
I have degenerative dics disease i’ve had it for about 4-5 years. I’m 34 yrs old and i feel like i’m 90. I’ve tried every medical option tha they gave me and nothing has worked,the injections seemed to make things worse. So now i’m looking at surgery, it freaks me out a lot but i figured why not give it a try. It may help and may not but, if it takes away 50% of my pain then i say that hepls. How worse can it get? I’m tired of being in pain and not able to do thing’s with my family. I have 2 teenage daughter’s who need me, this is a very confusing time for them and 9 times out of 10 i can’t do anything with them. I just want my life back. To control my pain not my pain to control my life!!
By Paul on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
I, like all the others that have replied, have been diagnosed with ddd. I’ve been through two fusions, and another surgery to open the nerve root holes in my c5-c6 and c6-c7. I’ve been through the MRI’s, Myelograms, CT Scans and nothing seems to work for me either. Please if anyone has any suggestions, let me know as well. I’m only 40 years of age but most of the time I feel like I’m 100 with all the pain. Still looking for a real sence of relief.
By Nancy on Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I am 56 just developed pain to a point could not stand it..went to specialist…might be degenerative disc in my low back..pain is mostly at night…can walk…feel discomfort and pain where leg and hip meet…back pain..praying that therapy will work do not want surgery need some encouragement…I have home business so can work…hope this can be resolved anyone had any success with therapy?
By KEISHA on Nov 15, 2008 | Reply
I PRAY FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! DJD, SPONDYLOSIS, FIBROMYALGIA, SPINA BIFIDA, BACK PAIN L1-S1……I HAVE IT ALL. AND IT HURTS!!!!!!! IM LIKE THE REST OF YOU; IVE HAD ALL THE TESTS IN THE WORLD AND NOW THAT I KNOW WHATS WRONG, THERE IS NO TREATMENT TO HELP! MY ADVICE IS KEEP IT MOVING! EXCERSISE, KEEP UR PAIN UNDER CONTROL WTH MEDS, THERAPY, ETC AND LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE BEST U CAN B/C LIFE IS TO SHORT FOR US TO ALLOW THIS TO LIVE MISERABLY. FIGHT FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!!!!
By Debbie on Nov 15, 2008 | Reply
I am 53. Have a herrington rod from a spinal fusion at 17. When I turned 40 began having hip problems. Started PT then usually go back every 2 years or so for new exercises. It has now progressed to lower scoliosis about a 25 degree curve along with spinal stenosis, DDD, now they have added spondelythesis (I think that’s the correct spelling). Of course arthritis in the lower back. I’ve had steriod injections in sets of 2 one and a half year ago and again 2 months ago. Tried Chiropractor but think that might not be a good, seemed to help the sciatica nerve for a while but then the pain got worse and spondelythesis set in. Been going to a local excercise club that I love for 2 years, now having to cut back on soom of those exercises because of the spondelysthesis. Messages help but just temporary. I am an accountant self employed with a lot of stress a sit for up to 14 hours per day (kills me). Been taking epson salt baths and sticking to my new PT exercises strengthening my stomach muscles. There’s just not enough time for all. Have pain down my leg eavery morning even after the enjections. The new PT seems to help but any new excersion messes it up all over.
Help-Any advise.
By belinda on Nov 15, 2008 | Reply
im 38yrs.old i have ddd.scoliois,4pinchednerves in my back,herniateddisc,severecronicpain it starts in the lower part of my back,my buttocks,then it shoots down my right leg into the side and top of my right foot,where i live the drs.treat you like your crazy and they think ibprophen can control the tearer and server pain that we are going through.the thoughts of suiside comes often.ive been to several surgens thats told me i can never be fixed,thats just depressing on its own to think you can never get help.in my apenion some drs.dont want to help because of medicaid its not enough money for them,then you wonder how does people stop caring.if anyone can help with a dr.or resources i would greatly apritiate it.thank you,tashas mom
By michael on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Reading these comments is scary! I too have no, or very litttle, disk material left in L5 & L4 and was recently diagnosed with DDD. I’m 38 years old and just came from a well respected neurosurgeon visit today. He told me to get as much excercise as I can stand (preferrably on an elyptical) and until I can’t literally take it anymore, hold out. I guess that is the best advice he could’ve given me given my age and condition but it was hard to hear. I too can’t remember the last time I played with my kids or for that matter got out of bed without pain. Reading these comments makes me realize that you just have to do WHATEVER you can to avoid surgery because, as this doctor told me, that is no quarentee. Back to the gym for me……
By heather on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
I am 32 yrs old and have severe DDD plus herniated disc, disc space narrowing , and severe impingement on the spinal canal. I have been through everything you have + it sounds. I am on here now researching again and for 2 yrs now. ADR is the answer. I cant afford it though. In Germany. Look online. Dont do fusion. I wish i had the money as they dont take insurance from the usa, but the euro is cheaper compared to the american dollar. I am short on time right now, but dr. bontina (spelling) find it. they called me and spent time with me on the phone. Just i cant afford it. good luck.
By Chris Carrubba on Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
I have read through the comments and it amazes me that there are so many people, like me, that have gone through the gamet of Drs., injections, pain meds, PT, and none of it seems to aleviate the pain. I am 55 and was involved in a motor cycle accident three year ago. I have had shoulder surgery and surgery on my pelvic bone which was crushed in the accident. My back problems are in C5, C6, and L5. Drs. are telling me surgery is the only thing that will now help me. I do not want to go under the knife again. I have not seen anyone write about the pain that radiates down the arms and legs. My hands and feet tingle all the time and it feels like thousands of needles are sticking in me. If there is an option besides the ones we have all tried or surgery I would sure like to know it.
By christy williams on Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
LIKE MANY OF YOU FINE PEOPLE I TO SUFFER FROM DDD FROM C4 C5 DOWN TO L4 L5. I WAS 34 WHEN I HAD MY FIRST FUSHION IT WORKED FOR MAYBE 2YRS THEN HER CAME THE PAIN AGAIN! I USED TO DRIVE OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER UNTIL IT SEEMED LIKE EVER TIME I WOULD MOVE WRONG I WOULD POP ANOUTHER DISC!I HAVE INSURANCE BUT I CANT AFFORD SURGERY AFTER SURGERY 3 MONTHS AGO I HAD 6 HEART ATTACKS IM ONLY 39!!! PAIN MEDS HELP BUT SOMEDAYS I WONDER WHY BOTHER BREATHING.MY DR. WONT REALLY TELL ME WHAT MY FUTURE HOLDS FOR ME WILL I END UP IN A WHEELCHAIR OR WILL I B ABLE TO WALK WITH PAIN BUT ABLE TO WALK? PLS DOES ANYBODY HAVE AN ANSWER…. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU FINE PEOPLE TRY AND SMILE THRU THE PAIN DONT LET IT WIN!!!!!!
By Crystal on Dec 2, 2008 | Reply
I was just finally diagnose with DDD today amd was looking up information on it. I am 22 yrs. old and have been suffering for 2 years. I have severe sciata in my left leg and have lost the feeling in my foot and calf. The doctor just told be to stretch for A YEAR, until I recently started going numb. I can barely stand up or sit down. If i stay going I do okay, but if I relax, I need help to get up again. My husband has been putting my shoes and socks on for me. I just had a pinched nerve in my leg, I didn’t know I would end up this way. \at 22 yrs. old I don’t want to live with this pain forever, I too have already thought about blowing my freakin’ leg off. I pray I don’t spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to relieve it, like some of you. You are all in my thoughts, as I know how you are feeling!
By andrew on Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
I am a 20 year old active individual… well normally active individual. I was diagnosed with DDD when I was 15 after my back started hurting during a wrestling match. I have been to every clinic and been through every procedure available except spinal fusion. At 20 years of age I believe spinal fusion is not the right answer for me. Is that all that is left for me to do? It has already cost me my job, my lifestyles, my hobbies, my friends, and nearly my life on two occasions. When you are in constant pain with little medical support in a rural area such as me it is difficult. Really to be honest is the only thing that helps is illegal, and that is cannabis. I hate to even bring it up but I really have been suffering for the past 5 years and the only thing to (I must specify does not fix problem but makes it so you can function.) distract me enough from the pain long enough to even accomplish the tasks of work and home life. I would not be writing this if it were not true. Many people do not agree with this methodology (my family is included in this group of people.). I have wrote this to help other people suffering in my position and it will most likely be removed before it helps anyone in need but I have tried. To all who read this please know that I am truthful in my telling you these things. Thank you for listening I don’t even have that support where I live. Have a great day and I hope I have at least helped one person.
By Lori Hegarty on Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I had a neck injury 15 years ago. Herniated disc C5-C6, large herniation at C6-c7 and issues with c7-t1. I just talked to a surgion this past week and he states it is Degenerative Disc Disease. He want to fuse C5-C6 forsure and is contemplating c4-c5 and c3-c4. I had to talk him into agreeing that it was partly due to the injury sustained 15 years ago, which I have been suffering pain from ever since. He thought maybe he would associate part of the surgury to the injury. I have read 100 articles and trying to figure out if infact injurys can trigger the start of DDD. I have found it to be true in several articles - one is the wikipedia encyclopedia. Trying to get a copy of my scans so I can have a couple more opnions. I can’t seem to get them to send them to me. Does it take an act of congres or what??? Losing hope…
By craig on Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
I was informed that i have DDD yesterday it was expected but none the less still sucks. I was in a severe car wreck in june 1990 and had multiple surgerys,including a plate inserted on my hip and 2 screws fusing my spine to my sacreum(spelling may be incorrect). I was only 19 at the time, I’m 37 now.I work in a laborers union which has good insurance but the work is exactly what it sounds like.My only choice was to go back to school full time which is difficult, married with 4 kids. My Dr. seems more concerned with regulations than my health is that me or does anybody else feel that way? Reading everybodys comments is relieving yet scary. For me sleeping is a chore, does anybody have any tips on sleeping in peace like most of you getting up sucks too. Thanks for listning and good luck to all, may you have a blessed holidays.
By Warren on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
I am 36 and was diagnosed with spinal stenoisis three years ago. My doctor recomended surgery back then but the Neruosurgeon I saw said that I was fine and it would not get any worse. Three years later it has turned into degenerative disk disease in L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. No the new Neurosurgeon said it progressed too far for surgery as it will take a three level fusion but do to my age it would be better to live with it, disk fusion put pressure on the next disk and will wear them out as well. I have some permanent nerve damage as I have reduced sensation in my right leg and it make it hard to walk.
Is anyone else fighting with L&I, what a joke they are. I am glad i found this group as it really irritates me when everybody think that you are making up the pain. It seems to be something you have to go through to understand.
Lori, see if they can burn the images to CD and send them that way or pick them up yourself.
By Sylvia on Dec 31, 2008 | Reply
I was in a car accident and my cervical and lumbar spine were damaged. The Mri shows L5-S1 disc desiccation, minor bulge. I am having severe pain starting in the buttocks area to the thighs. I have difficulty stooping and bending without having serve pain.I can’t sit to long because I am in pain getting up like an old lady. I am in pain everyday in my neck area and low back. Does anyone else have some of these symptoms? I have gone to a neurosugeon that does’t suggest surgery and pain clinic getting steroids shots that didnj’t help the low back area. I am lost as what to do next. Any suggestions?
By kimberly on Jan 2, 2009 | Reply
I was diagnosed with d.d.d three years ago after the birth of my 3rd. son.The pain is excruciating! Pain meds don’t even dent the pain.Itake amititriptaline at night,just to fall asleep.I now have severe pain in my tailbone,where I can’t sit for long, and trying to get up from a sitting position makes me scream out in pain!! I also have Bursitis on the side of my legs,and my hips get swollen, and throb!!Recently my hands and feet are very cold to the touch and the tip of my nose!? I am going to call myPCP,and get another MRI since its been almost 4 years.I have medicaid also, and it’s very hard to get any decent help.Has anyone had my symptoms, of not being able to sit? I read web MD and I worry about cancer.Hope there are some answers..How much worse can this get? If I ever needed a wheelchair,I’d be up a creek, because it kills me to sit!!!! Hope for the hopeless…..
By Patti on Jan 5, 2009 | Reply
I am 53 years old and was diagnosed with DDD last December. I was working as a professional administrator at the time. When my employer learned of my diagnosis, I was fired. I couldn’t afford to continue paying my insurance premiums with no income. I was denied un-employment benefits because I was unable to seek work, and social security wanted proof that I would be disabled for a full year before I could collect any benefits. Now I am broke, in constant pain, and stand to lose everything I have worked for.
To “Andrew”, I’m with you…”fill it, light it, shut up and close the door!” To all my fellow “crips” seek love and laughter and hang in there.