Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc, which is often called "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) of the spine, DDD is in fact a condition that can be painful and can greatly affect the quality of one's life. While disc degeneration is not a normal part of aging and for most people is not a problem, for certain individuals a degenerated disc can cause severe constant...

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Muscles & Bones
/ Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Pain

sammycat2
sammycat2
Hi Members: Just wanted to share some good news, and perhaps offer hope to you all. I had been suffering from horrible pain down right leg into foot as well as lower back since May, 2010. I was barely able to walk without a walker. My MRI showed severe disc disease. In fact I was even hospitalized for pain in May, 2010. Was taking Vicodin which helped a bit, but caused very bad constipation. Went to Pain Management and had two injections, which unfortunately did not help but seemed to make me worse. They suggested that I get back surgery. I was crying everyday, got very depressed and even felt suicidal. I started doing stretching leg excercises. In about 3 weeks the pain disappeared in my right foot, then the pain disappeared in my leg. I still had lower back pain, but it was wonderful to be pain free in my leg. As of 2 weeks ago the pain in my lower back has diminished, and I am able to walk only using a cane ocassionally. Please do not give up hope, do alot of stretching exercises (even if it is painful). I wish you all a speedy recovery.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi sammycat2.I have made it a habit to stretch out several times a day.I have even had to stop and stretcher while in the grocery store.I was like you and had that gnawing pain down the back of my leg.I also had a lot of bad leg cramps.The stretching has relieved both.It does not take more than 2 minutes to stretch out,and it makes such a difference in my pain and stiffness.Thanks for sharing......Cheryl
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for your story. I'm glad it worked for you. But alot of us here have had chronic pain for many years. I've had chronic back pain with severe sciatica for over 26 years now, and believe me, stretching doesn't help. LOL I sure wish it did. I HAVE to stretch in the morning, or I'd never get out of bed. LOL

I was reading where they're testing a new drug now for long-term chronic painers -- it's promising, they said. I hope I live long enough for them to get it out of the testing phase! LOL thanks again & God bless. Hugs, Lee
sammycat2
sammycat2
Hi again: Did not mean to make light to all of you that have been suffering for years. I know the horrible agony you are going through. I just did not want to undergo surgery, even though the Pain Mgmt people said that I needed to relieve the pressure with surgery. I looked up excersises on the internet, and I lay on my bed, raised my right knee up to my chest and back down a few times a day. In a few weeks the pain in my foot disappeared, then eventually the pain running down the right leg disappeared. I cannot help thinking it had to be the stretching I was doing. I was still having very bad lower back pain, but that has improved as well, and I have more strength when walking. My prayers are with you all.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, The exercise that strohm suggested is one that the physical therapist taught me. Feet on bed, knees up; pick up one leg at a time and pull towards chest. Therapist said do each leg, 15 reps, twice. Seems to help some.

My pain never goes away but it helps to be doing something rather than nothing. I have a treadmill also, and when I am feeling good, I walk sloooowly for 1 - 1 1/2 miles. Takes a while but I have the time.
Trial and error is the best way to determine what works for you. Good luck!