Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

sorry I meant DDD

Hi and welcome. I am sorry you are here but, glad that you have found a place to share and receive support.

DDD is simply the drying out of your discs which have a high water content. Most people taken randomly off a street and given an MRI would have various levels of DDD and not even know it! It is only a select few that experience pain and neuropathy from DDD.

Imagine a marshmallow representing your discs and two crackers above and below- representing your vertebrae.

Your marshmallow is fresh and squishy. You can press it fairly hard and it will pop back up. This is a good disc.

Now, leave your marshmallow cracker combo out on the counter for a month. Your marshmallow has shrunk considerably. It is ridgid and doesn't really squish any more. It is dry and developing small cracks around the outer layer. That is a degenerated disc.

You cannot reverse disc height loss or cracks/tears of your disc. However, you can do some things to help you from advancing the DDD and to help with dealing with it.

Drink plenty of water on a daily basis and avoid smoking. If you are overweight... try and lose a few pounds to reduce the amount of stress on your back. The most common places for DDD is the Lumbar Spine at L4 and lower & the cervical spine at about C5/6 to T1.

Strengthening your core muscles (tummy, laterals, obliques and back) will help you keep your frame from being "sloppy" which puts more stress on your back.

As for the pain... there is no reason to live in pain! Have an honest conversation with your doctor about your pain and how it affects your life. As hard as it is to say out loud--- tell him/her about the problems you are experiencing.

Many people have daily struggles in Activities of Daily living such as: Bathing, cleaning, cooking, simple chores, work, sitting etc. Even your sex life can become greatly affected by painful DDD!

There are several medications that can help including anti-spasmodics like Baclofen or Flexeril or Soma. Also, pain medication which is non narcotic like Prescription Ibuprofen, Tramadol, and some others.

Adjust your body as needed and NEVER push it! Sleep with a pillow between your legs, put a stool in the kitchen so you can sit down while doing dishes or preparing a meal. Don't lift things if you can avoid it. Have your children help with getting clothes out of the dryer and taking out the garbage.

You can also purchase a "grabber" to pick up items off the floor or from a high area. These can be purchased at stores like Wal-Mart or Target. You can also buy them from medical supply companies, though they will be a little more expensive.

I hope you are able to find some relief. Please do not hesitate to be open and advocate for your needs. If your doc does not help or take you seriously--- find one who will. There is no need to suffer needlessly.

HUGS to you