Hi fmw,

I have "Degenerative Disc Disease" and a bulging disc.
snip
Has anyone else had this?

From the link below...

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging and over time all people will exhibit changes in their discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. However, not all people will develop symptoms. In fact, degenerative disc disease is quite variable in its nature and severity.

I would guess that a lot of us here have Degenerative Disc Disease since it is sort of a catch all generic term for a back that is getting older.

I had bulging disc off and on for 6 years, in and out of emergency rooms, and several bouts of physical therapy before the disc finally bursted sending the gel like substance into the spinal canal....and me to the floor.

I would think that physical therapy might be able to help the bulging disc. If not, I'd think that a good back surgeon could and would fix it.

Thanks for the update...I think of you often and wonder how you are getting along.

On the 1-10 scale, how is your pain running? Still on some good meds?

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Degenerative disc disease is a misnomer

I had a slightly bulging disc. Had PT to pain pills for about a year so that I could walk and work. And then it quit hurting. The bulge sucked back in. Now it's off and on.

I also have DDD and bulging discs. Have had PT,shots,meds
I can't stand or sit for long periods of time. I also have
artritis of the lower back. It really stinks...it prevents
you from doing so much.

I have it- but mine causes the discs to rupture. Been through all the PT, had surgery- still hurt. I wish I could tell you something to make you feel better, but I can't. I am only 43 and now am looking at more surgery for 3 more discs before I turn 45. I will have lost all movement in my neck.

Trish in SC

I am 33 years old and being in pain for the rest of my life isn't something I am willing to do. I can not take this pain. I do alright during the day but I would rather stick a fork in my eye then go to bed. The minute I lay down the pain in my lower back and hips in awful. I usually get up around 1:00 and just pace the floor.

I have concluded that this doctor is an idiot. All he had done so far is give me pain pills and pain patches and sends me home.

I just don't know what to do!

Firemanswife, have you looked into alternative(Eastern) medicine?

Maybe before you exhaust yourself you should look at other areas you may not have first been drawn to.

I don't speak from experience, just was thinking I'm sure there could be help in areas you haven't explored yet.

I just picked up my MRI results and am heading back to the doctor tomorrow. I read the report and from the lab and it states I have "Degenerative Disc Disease" and a bulging disc.

I will know more tomorrow when I go to the doctor.
So you went back to that doctor Thurs April 23rd then? And he just gave you pills?

Someone somewhere should either be prescribing physical therapy, or referring you to a good surgeon. Saying you have "Degenerative Disc Disease" and a bulging disc.
is a pretty generic thing to say...

I'm wondering if you can get actual copies of the MRI and make an appointment with a surgeon yourself.

Does your insurance have a 'help' line that you could talk to about this? Does your insurance have 'preferred' providers that you could pick a surgeon yourself?

There are indeed doctors that are idiots and that care very little about helping patients. Don't give up though. There are some good ones out there.

I would get an actual copy of the MRI and be finding me someone competent to look at it and either prescribe physical therapy, or refer you to someone who can help you.

The one who just gives you pills, is he the one that told you that you will just have to live with the pain?

You are going to have to take charge here of getting into someone who can help you.

Best of luck...hang in there...you can do it.

Sue

I've had back pain for 25 years. Unfortunately there isn't a good solution to most back problems. Here is what I've tried, Acupunture, (didn't help me), massage, (didn't help), physical therapy, (didn't help), medication, (I won't take that route), surgery, (not recommened), Yoga, (that helped a little), Cranial Sacral Therapy, (didn't help), Alexander Technique,(didn't help), 2 different Chiropractors, (no help), heating pad, (I burnt the coils from the pad on my back from overuse) and ice packs.
These things helped a somewhat, MBT shoes,(helped a lot), Tiger balm patches, Biofreeze, sleeping on a memory foam bed,(helped a lot) and lots of stretching exercises. I also have a Omron Elepuls unit I bought in Norita Japan Duty Free. It sends electrical currents useing pads that attach to my back.
I would not do surgery unless you get a second and third opinion. Be careful with Chiropractors. I would not take any medication. Try acupunture, massage, physical therapy first. If you can afford it a memory foam mattress will help. Also, take a meditation class or try Biofeedback.
I found everything to be temporary relief. Emotional Stress is not good for your back, that's how meditation relieves the pain.
Donna

I agree with Sue and Donna. It's a problem that is more common than not. I have it a bit, but I also have damage from an MVA. My husband has very severe problems with his back. They did want to do surgery, but he will not go that route. I think he's wise, anyway. Sometimes it flares up for various reasons. He does the best he can- he won't take pain pills very often, and then he will only take over the counter pills.

But Donna is right, I don't think there's a lot that can be done. I've had counseling to learn pain management techniques, however, (because I have an aversion to pain medication) and I find there are many strategies that help a lot. And I really had to drill "pacing" into my head- and that was not easy. I don't think it's a problem for a chiropractor.

Whatever you try, I wish you much luck.

fireman's wife,
When did your back pain start? Were you injured? Did it come on slowly?
Donna

I am keeping an eye on this thread! I also am having back trouble and doing therphy 3 times a week.
My MRI stated that I have a slipped disc pinching a nerve. I cannot sit nor drive for a long length of time.
I also have a surgeon appointment on May 5. Pure h*ell if I say so.
Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers with any back trouble.
Deb

Back pain can make for a miserable life, I know. I'm sorry you're in so much pain and dealing with all the hospital red tape and tests sure doesn't help any.

I'm 65 and about 30 years ago, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease also. At that time, I'd had a spontaneous rupture of a disc in my lower neck. Long story, but I chose not to have surgery.

Wishing you all the best of outcomes, Firemanswife.