I am rather new to this, as I have become self-educated over the past year as my wife has been cycling-through the conservative forms of treatment for degenerative disc disease with a positive attitude and much enthusiasm, but absolutely no success in pain relief. We're both 30 yoa and this has been quite difficult for her...As I am sure that you know...


Did your doctor tell you that there is nothing that can be done to help with your condition?? If that is what you were told, then I would question his/her credability in even reading the mri...Much less diagnosing the problem and "helping" you find ways to deal with it.


Ddd is typically treated in three very logical steps, beginning with basics like exercise and otc anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen...With surgery being the third and very last option.


if left untreated, it will eventually restabalize itself to some degree and the pain may decrease, but going away. The disc will eventually deteriorate completely and the nerves that are the source of the pain now will eventually die, or "burn out". However, that is not the end. Progression will almost always result in osteophytic formation (or "bone spurs") which can cause further irritation and multiple complications may also follow, which are far from "pain-free".

I just wanted to say thank you for your reply, yes I was given vioxx and so far it seems to be working, ive only been on it for a week, as far as the pain burning out I was told that and the feeling of rectal pressure will burn out by the time I hit 50, mind you im only 34, so im not looking foward to the next 16 years, I was also told there was a shot available, and thats injected in the very low part of my back I guess at the tip of my rectum there is a bone that has a small opening and thats where the shot would be, although its only a temporary relief my problem can come right back the only permanent solution would be to have a complete disc removal, which is something I wont consider, because of all the risk and side effects, so basically im on a deal and live with it situation, im still doing alot of research and will continue to until I find the right cure, and I wont give up until I get my life back

Never under estimate the body's ability for healing. Read about how mckenzie exercises can help. Do the exercises and improve your lifestlye. You do your part and I can give you a more solid guarantee than your doctor can.

Have you tried any physical therapy or any exercise?Pilates helped me greatly and I am no longer in constant pain.It hurt at first,but pain got much better.

Yes I have tried pt but it has not helped me, I do alot of home excerises and stretching and use a personal tens unit, im not sure what pilates are, can you explain please

Hi bootsie!Pilates is a series of stretching exercises created by a dancer,joseph pilates.It has been around for almost 100 years and is designed to strenghten and elongate your muscles.Pilates can be done on the floor with a mat or there are machines that help you do the movements.I use the floor method,i can do them at home and I also take a class once a week.I have found this form of exercise to be very helpful and if I am having a painful day,doing them really helps loosen me up and I feel better.There are many books available and there are also videos.A good video is mari winsor's pilates.There is a beginner series and more advanced ones also.Hope this was helpful!Good luck to you.Patty

Thank you patti I will definately look into that, I am willing to try anything at this point.