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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Arcticfox3 08/31/2013

Hi everyone. I have just been diagnosed with having DDD a few days ago when doc called me in to go over my MRI results. I didn't realize she also had a portion of my spine done. I only knew of the test for the shoulder due to a car accident back in May. Shoulder came out healed yet DDD was discovered. I have been going through severe back pain for a long time and do have other conditions as well and I kind of feel blank rt now. I am awaiting specialist appts to find out a course of action to take. Does anyone have some tips on how to handle the pain without having to take pain relievers all the time? I am on T4 right now but I only take it if I feel I have no choice. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

deleted_user 09/01/2013

Heat or ice of course and if u can a lot of pain ends in the muscle so if u can stretch them out that helps ease the tension we feel.

WalkinBuffaloMan 09/06/2013

Welcome. i'm new to this group too. There's a Tens unit. that sends mild electrical (DC current) pulses that interrupt the nerves, I've used this years ago and it does work. There also a P-STIM (biegler.com) I'm looking into. sorry I don't know how to post links yet. Hope this helps and my best to you, Blaine

deleted_user 09/07/2013

Hi, I am new here also. I will actually be reading the answers you get as I take pain relievers, too. TENS unit has been shown not to work. I am in physical therapy right now, but that is more about strengthening myself enough to be able to walk. The pain is still intense. I am working out in a heated pool. Maybe you can try something similar?

Arcticfox3 09/11/2013

Thanks everyone. I'm currently awaiting info to arrive in the mail. I have been through physio, chiros, acupuncture in the past to which has not helped. I am glad my meds are currently working and grateful that my boss has worked with me and has made accommodations. I have also been set up with a couple of specialists who may be able to help. The hardest part for me will be deciding on a course of action to take once I have all the info. I wish you all the best. It's not easy living or having to deal with this and I hope we can all, be finally free of pain.

stargrlskater7 09/12/2013

I JUST JOINED AT 1 AM Sept 1
I have been using a sponge roller for the past 2 yrs and it helps along with walking. I have constant pain in my butt, sciatica. complete cervical laminectomy, spinal cord tumor on T2, broken coccyx , 2 bad falls on rt butt and several herniated discs in mid and lower back.

stargrlskater7 09/12/2013

also two Bunion surgerys on rt (2012, Jan) and then , on left foot, surgery for hammertoe and turf toe caused by a fall in april 2013 , May 14 (tripped over the cement block in Target and went flying, (I have lots of titanium in me and had that surgery on May14th, felt like I was dying, (they gave me propofol for the surgery) getting my strength back at 68

SandyRae 09/29/2013

Reading Healing Back Pain by Dr. john Sarno changed my life forever.

deleted_user 09/30/2013

wow...a lot of new people....I'm new too fox, and like you, just recently found out I had DDD from a motorcycle accident. I have had pain for a couple years, but my doctor always told me I was just getting old. I don't currently take anything for pain, but heat helps me a lot, and yoga

deleted_user 10/17/2013

I am also new here. I have had two surgeries on my neck and have undergone 8 spinal anesthesia, nerve blocks or ablations on my spine this past 6 months. I will have my 9th procedure in two weeks. I also have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome as well as a host of other auto immune problems. I am losing my sanity!

deleted_user 10/20/2013

Physiotherapy once per week is really helpful along with the acupuncture. I'm on Tramadol and Orphenadrine (muscle relaxer). And when I feel good, I'll do TaiChi exercises. And yes - heat feels wonderful. And my motto... move it or lose it!

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