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...
Hello. My grandmother was diagnosed with DDD after a slip and fall. She is over 80 and had to start using a walker, when before she was just fine. Her orthopedic surgeon said there is nothing to do but take pain pills. She is on a pain killer and muscle relaxer. She is in so much pain and I feel so bad for her. Physically therapy left her feeling worse. Her days end up mostly with her staying in bed. Has anything worked to help some of your pain? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you so much!
Degenerative Disc Disease is a normal process of life. It simply means that the water fluid that fills the discs between the vertebrae has dried up. The drying discs can cause loss of height between the vertebrae which can lead to "bone on bone" rubbing.
Many people have DDD and never even know it. Most people do not have pain from this condition. Your grandmother has probably had DDD for two or three decades, if not longer.
If she slipped and fell and NOW experiences all this pain etc...I would think she has a herniated disc, fracture, neurologic impingement or nerve root impingement of some sort.
Has she had an MRI or CAT scan? Have you sought a second opinion? If not... I would definately do this.
As for her daily life... as hard as it is for you and the family... LET HER DO AS SHE NEEDS TO! If she needs to lay down a lot, does not want to go out a lot, sits ...whatever... Let her do it.
Whatever the condition that she has that is causing pain...the pain is tremendous. It is nothing that can be described adequately. There are also many factors that most people don't tink about that can make the pain worse.
Right now... support her, love her. Don't force activities upon her or be upset that she does not do things that you think would help.
She knows you love her and she wants to be normal. She wants to please her family and, she probably wants to be more active than she is. Unfortunately...she is probably doing the best she can. No one wants to be a prisoner in their own body...as hard as the pain is, the mental stress is probably just as bad.
It is hard and stressful on all those involved--you too. Be understanding and supportive of each other. If you get frustrated...step away. Try and make things around the house easier for her. Prepare some meals ahead of time, come clean up and change her bed once a week. Go to the grocery store for her etc.
If you go out together... get a mobility scooter and bring a pillow for her to sit on/wedge behind her back. A walk around the block, 30 minutes in a shopping center, lunch at her favorite restaurant etc. Those are all things that will be wonderful for her mentality and help her feel as good as possible. It will also help keep her more active, as she can be.
Good luck to you and her. Take care.
Send me a message if I can help. Lots of doctors like me around the country
Dr. Tom Murray