i have been told that i have degenerative discs,12 and 13,is there anything i can do to ease the pain?

[kingsmill36]

[Boozybird]

What have you tried already Kingsmill? There is alot of info on this site in other posts. Best wishes.

[Calceolaria]

Are you sure the pain is from the discs ? Degenerative discs most people have from a certain age and not everyone has pain from them. Could your muscles be tense because they are "guarding" the area? That can also produce a lot of tenderness and pain.

[joe69]

Am in a similar spot as yourself.

Now I have disc degeneration with 2 lumber discs, the rest, well they all vary from nerve damage on which they say is the main cause of the pain.

With me, my meds do what they can, am not pain free with the disc damage I have, and don't think I ever will be.

You take care, we are all individuals and we cope with situations in our own way.

Joe

[kebsa]

i was recommended a book called "treat your own back" by Robin McKenzie. it was a doctor at the pain clinic who suggested it. turns out it was not suitable for me because i am wheelchair dependant and could not manage the excercises without a lot of help but the guy that wrote it is a well reapected physio from NZ and this treatment has been around for quite some time-its basically a set of excercises/movements designed to open up the gaps between the vertabrae where nerves get impinged with disc disease- worth having a look at its not an expensive book

[loyalT in reply to kebsa]

interesting book title kebsa . this physio from NZ , i think i have read some things of his before.

[johnsmith]

Try McTimony Chiropractic. This is a very gentle form of chiropractic technique. I have found from experience that small tight muscles in the vincity of discs can generate pain. Releasing their tension reduces the pain.

Another thing to try is Alexander Technique. This is about using the body the way the body is designed to be used. It cannot be learnt from books.

[tortoiseshell]

Sorry to hear you have this condition, my mum had this years ago, when i was a teenager she would be totally immobile for days..

however she did gradually get better. I think she ended up privately going to see a specialist for back pain. she really wanted surgery at the time but was persuaded out of it, and sure enough it did gradually get better.

I think she did physio, rest, took anti-imflamatories/painkillers, walking, always used a special cushion for sitting/driving to support her posture, a fair few glasses of wine,

Maybe you could try hydrotherapy?

Best wishes for pain free days,

H

[louiseamos]

Hi.kingsmill36.. I was told 8 year ago had 3 level d d. and they didn't knew what was causing the pain..yep and was a private hospital to..had operation. told had spine of 65 year old at 30. Last year got I'll.full spines sore now neck etc..waiting ..been waiting months for upper scan..I think I've this all way up.. be careful lifting etc..I worked carer then last year..disc came all way out worst pain off my life so far..physio won't touch me.thinks I've a.s. haven't been referred any were. I given up on doctors now..having a good doctor helps..x

[Mistee]

Have you been referred to your local pain clinic?

They can look at different meds for you and are able to arrange for you to get meds that are not typically used for pain but have been found to help give pain relief e.g. gabapentin, it's normally prescribed to epileptics but as it blocks certain neurological messages it has been found to help block some nerve pain.

They can also recommend an mri if you haven't had one yet so they can see the extent of the damage and find whether it's neurological, muscular or both.

I have heard that it can be heard that some people have a battle to get the referral - I found it really easy as I have a very supportive GP but I did have problems getting an mri which I believe to have been connected to funding.

Good luck to you and if you have any difficulties in getting this sorted out, do NOT take no for an answer!! xxx