I have ddd and herniated disk l4 l5 s1 and also in my neck, no I was not told that my condition would improve, ddd is when the fluids in your disk are gone and I dont see how you can improve from that in fact may be your doctor meant you can improve by way of pain , I also have arthritis in both areas because of my injury I was 29 when I was injured with my neck and 32 with my back, after 4 years my neck pain amd headaches deminished but as far as my back I have nerve damage thats causing me more problems than anything, people who arent injured can also have ddd it also comes with age

Hi bootsie,

thanks for your reply. I think maybe the surgeon was meaning that the pain would improve. He said something about my discs stabilising when I reach about 50.

I can sort of understand the discs may stabilise as I get older, and maybe the general pain would improve. But most of the bad pain I get is nerve type pain in both my back and legs. I wonder if that can improve?

I'm not sure if I have nerve damage. I think it was mentioned several years ago, but I have never received a proper report from my mri scan three years ago and neither has my doctor!! The surgeon looked at the mri scan and never wrote a full detailed report of what it showed and he refuses to do so now.

Anyway, sorry to go on - I am going off topic now. I am going to seek another consultation privately in september and hopefully get a proper report this time.

I won't get my hopes raised too high about all the pain disappearing when I reach 50 then.

I am really pleased to hear that there has been some improvement with your neck pain and headaches.

All the best.
Sue (uk)

Hi sue,
I also have ddd and from what i've read the pain you're in during the degenerative process does diminish when yor disc space is gone and your spine fuses.I had the same question of being disabled in the future(i'm 40 now).My doc said no.As long as you do try to stay active and mobile. He told me I would get worse if I did not move,even if it hurts to do so(sometimes it does,i know).Best of luck to you.
Pattyv

Hi patty,

thanks for your reply. I'm glad someone else has also been told that the pain can improve.

It seems that the answer is to push against the pain and stay as active as possible.

All the best
sue (uk)