Hnichols,
hi, as far as when will we accept that we will always have pain. I am sure that question is individual. But most of us, here in this forum are here to look for help and or help someone else adjust with their present situation. I have accepted that I won't get a whole lot better, and that ddd is a progressive disease, but I also believe in trying multiple treatment modalities for the relief of pain. Chronic pain isn't a whole lot of fun. I keep looking ahead to trying new things, which may be helpful to relieve my pain.
I am continuing working even with the pain. I think it helps me focus on things other than my own health. Pj

I was born with a messed up spine 7 several whiplash injuries (the first at age 6 moinths) didn't help nor did having my knee caps start dislocating constantly at age 10 leading to 3 operations on each knee (including removing the kneecaps - 30 years ago) then a neurologist told me about 6 years ago that my lower spine was disintegrating (such a horrid word) so I figured i'd just have to put up with it, continue to take pain killers & rest alot etc.

Then my gp gave me the umteenth pain medication to try vioxx (it may be called something else outside australia - if so I can get the ingredients) & I once again tried alternate therapies (different people are helped by different things - some swear by accupuncture* or accupressure* or hypnotherapy* or bowen therapy*, others by a chiropractor or a physiotherapist) the ones marked * won't interfere with any medication but shouldn't be used at the same time as physio or chiro although they are safe to try while on meds.

More recently I have been looking into vitamin/mineral supplements, caltrate (strong calcium) will help bones, as do omega 3 fish oils but also I have now been told by a psychiatrist my daughter is seeing that i'm crazy to not be on 2 other supplements (sorry I forget the names, but if you pm me i'll ask him next week when she sees him & email you with the names - they won't interfere with any meds as they're just natural supplements (this guy basically is opposed to "meds" if they can be avoided!! Weird for a dr much less apsychiatrist!!

Have you tried warm packs on the affected areas?

My thoughts & prayers are with you.