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Degenerative disc disease & pain management
Spine Health | Last Active: Dec 31, 2025 | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
Hi @msjennifer,
Welcome and so sorry to hear that you are dealing with DDD and PMR! For me, it has been almost a guarantee that I feel a good bit of discomfort most days. 😏 It does make me extremely thankful for a simple low pain /pain-free day which I pray are in abundance for both of us! ❤️ I had a spinal fusion about 12years ago to relieve pain and was given a cage, 2 artificial disc, and 4 facet screws. The surgery was technically very successful but my low back pain was completely unresolved. PMR hip and shoulder pain joined the mix almost 2 years ago. I have had multiple facet injections and ablations over the past few years—each providing some temporary relief but my insurance company no longer approves ablations (burning the nerves). I have found stretching, heating pads, essential oils, massage, muscle relaxers and pain meds my biggest help. The trick is not overdoing any of them or they quickly lose effectiveness. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Blessings!
Sandi
Replies to "Hi @msjennifer, Welcome and so sorry to hear that you are dealing with DDD and PMR!..."
@sandiw77
I have ddd had it now for some years. I had a bad car accident 8 years ago now and have wondered if that triggered it off.
I get pain across bottom of my back and down my left leg. It has swapped legs as used to be my right leg.
I’m on amitriptyline and co-codamol as and when it’s bad.
I haven’t been offered an op as my GP said it could be dangerous and could result in wheel chair.
So I just manage it with pain relief and exercise.
@sandiw77 thank you for sharing what works for you. I have just been diagnosed with DDD and was feelng very depressed for the first 24 hours. I am -was worried about my quality of life, if I am going to need surgery, and if I can even continue working. Reading your response has alleviated my anxieties. I go to the orthopedist doctor tomorrow for an exam and treatment plan. Thanks again.
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I have recently been diagnosed with DDD after falling out of my bed. I too use heating pads and neck wrap filled with eucalyptus warmed in a microwave for 75 seconds.
Thank you for this is vital information.
Be blessed!!