If your talking about degenerative disk disease its when your disk start to loose its fluids, either it can come from an injury or in some cases with age, I have ddd in my neck and back theres nothing that can be done

This should answer all of your questions and more. I've been educating myself about this recently, as my wife has this condition. I have been doing research only on the internet and I have been amazed at the information resources that are out there.

Http://www.Spineuniversity.Com/public/spin esub.Asp?Id=36

there are several ways to treat it. However, I firmly believe that one important element of treatment that doctors often fail to suggest is simply understanding the condition and really educating oneself. I know that you just found out about this, so it is probably difficult to get into reading text on the internet for hours at a time. However, I can say from experience that it has been time well-spent for me (and I still have a lot to learn).

If I can direct you or help you in any way, please just let me know. Also, my wife has told me time-and-time again that my dedicated support thus far has really helped her. Your girlfriend will probably need some help emotionally while dealing with this...Until you are able to find the appropriate treatment and "make it gone". Good luck and feel free to email.

I have been going thru severe pain from my neck down, mostly in the middle of back and lower back which has spread to my hips and left leg. Went to doctor and she thinks it could be sciatic nerve damage and need an mri to determine if this is true or not. I have been to chiros and the last one said the cushion between my vertibrates are deteriating and this was 5 years ago. I have no help with medication or anything and I endure this pain everyday and very painful when I first wake up in the morning. I also have muscle spasms in my back and in rib area and legs and feet. I have sent away for info. from places for alternative treatment because I do not want surgery and I know of decommpression therapy. Has anyone had this done and does it work? I'm so tired of the pain everyday with nothing to help take the edge off.