Degenerative discs lower spine, thoracic spine, neck: Fix the pain?

My sister has degenerative facets in her cervical spine and lumbar region

Sometimes when she stands ,her body starts to spasm and she becomes very disoriented .On occaision she has fallen.If the back of her neck is massaged it tends to "snap" her out of the spasm. it is like blood has been constricted to her brain.Her family doctor is as useless as as rubber boots in a desert

She also has a cyst in the lumbar region that surgeons won't touch because it may cause cause excessive blood loss. We are wits end

I was wondering what you do besides PT to help with this.

Find a really good neurosurgeon who does minimally invasive surgery and have her evaluate your situation.

@dunbun13 Degenerative disc disease can mean a lot of different things. Generally speaking with aging, discs dry out a bit and shrink. That can exasperate issues with any damaged discs and lead to herniations. Discs do not have a blood supply and don’t regenerate themselves if damaged. PT may help if weakness or posture is affecting the spine. Often insurance companies want to see PT tried before they will cover surgery. Spine surgery is a major surgery and sometimes when all else fails, it is the right choice. Some people have no symptoms with bad discs. Have you consulted a specialist about your spine ?

Have had DDD for many years, probably related to all the standing and lifting patients - working as a nurse. You do need a good PT who will not only use modalities but also teach you exercises and things to do and not to do. For example, I had considerable difficulty standing at the stove while cooking. My PT taught me the correct way to stand, and what to do if I start to have discomfort. I would also recommend seeing a pain management specialist. They use a step-by-step approach to treatment which I appreciate.

I have had DDD for years and have been in extreme pain for years. Have had PT, injections, back surgery (which speaking for myself, was not a good idea). Recently I went to see a pain management doctor. After hearing my story he recommended a permanent pain stimulator. As for the trial , couldn't expect better my pain was at a 9/10 I was bed ridden and with the pain stimulator my pain went almost completely away. Now I have the permanent stimulator. The recovery process is slow but again very little pain. If I were you I would find out if this device would work for you. Hope you're feeling better soon

Thank you so much, i have heard and read about them, thanks so much for mentioning them,, l had forgot about that device. Praying I don’t have to have surgery.

@dunbun13 I had surgery and it was AMAZING. Don't wait too long as your lumbar nerves could get crushed in the process and it will be hard for them to grow back. That's what happened to me. Get yourself a couple GOOD ortho surgeon opinions. I had 4! The fourth one was my prince charming and he gave me my life back. It took 20 years of trying everything. These days you don't want to wait too long because it takes so long to get in the cue for surgery. You should be having MRIs and having a pain management dr. and an orthopedist advise you. There are MANY things which can be done on the way to eventually having a surgery. I had everything. When it was time, it was time. My only regret was that I didn't find my prince earlier. He has done several surgeries on me since. I am no longer afraid. I am always so much better afterwards! I hate suffering with pain!

@lkildare1 what is the pain stimulator called? I am suffering from ddd, herniated discs, nerve root compression and injections didn't help me and hoping to find something else. Do you mean a tens unit?

No it is not a Tensa unit technically I have what is called Eterna Spinal Cord Stimulation System model 3876 made by Abbot Labs. It blocks the pain signals along your spine to your brain. It is controlled by either your phone if compatible or they provide you with one of their phones. You will not necessarily be pain free but my pain literally kept me in bed for years the minute I would stand up my pain would shoot up to an unbearable level. Since having the implant my pain is at a 1 to 3 level I am up and about and able to lead a normal life again it's astounding to me. It is definitely worth trying as I have all the same conditions you listed. Hope this helps!