back pain

[Gran17]

I'm new here have been off work for 3 months with back pain and siatica had my driving licence revoked (not fit to drive) I have just had Mri scan and been diagnosed with Degenarative spinal disase does anyone know anything about this condition need advice please hope to go back to work next week

[Madlegs1]

That's Osteoarthritis in plain English.

There are painkillers you can take.

Exercises you can do to keep supple.

Avoid acidic foods

Use an icepack for pain relief. .

Walking is good.

Lose weight - if that's relevant.

Cheers. Have a nice life.☺

[Gran17 in reply to Madlegs1]

Than you for your advice I was First diagnosed with spinel stenosis had Caudal epidural 3weeks ago still have leg pain when walking I need to get my driving licence back as work is not on bus route can't walk there cab will cost too much

[Redhots7 in reply to Gran17]

Gran17, leg pain is probably Sciatica. Tens Unit really helps me 😘

[SusieJo1948]

I am not sure but you need to ask the Dr.I hope things get better. Susiejo1948

[Gran17 in reply to SusieJo1948]

Thank you I will have to go back to GPs

[Bevvy]

Am surprised and concerned you had driving licence revoked. I also have sciatica (amongst other conditions) but when I am bad have never had such draconian measures taken!! In all my years think on only one occasion had discussion with GP to not drive until improved but not had DVLA involvement. I think we both used common sense!!!!

[Gran17]

This was down to Gp my first visit there I had moved home. told Not to drive and to inform Dvla had no choice as Gp has power to if I didn't could cost me my job as need to have full licence and it's a 3 mile walk each way which I can't do.

[Helpforpain12]

Hi I was told I had degenerated disc disease I have read so much on it and still a lot doesn't make sense I slipped discs at work and now have lots of problems because of this hip pain pelvic pain back pain sciatica and a constant spasm. So my advice can only be get a really good painkiller solpadol 30/500 helps me lead a normal life with other mess. Exercise as this will help you keep back strong and make it stronger yes you will have days when the last thing you want to do is go to a gym. I wouldn't advice dvds YouTube yoga as they don't know your back problems so go to someone you can explain it to and they can let you know what you can and not do but yoga is amazing for this. Keep active I know your In so much pain but if you stop using the muscles they won't get stronger I had to learn this the hard way . I go to gym again now as I need to keeps everything flowing along sometimes f ing hurts afterwards but worth it in long run xx I really hope u get sorted and get advice of medication x chiropractic help can change your life get a very very good one maybe even doctors recommend as some can cause u more damage. Hope u doing okay xx

[ukmsmi4]

Hi Gran17

I was diagnosed by an osteo consultant with mechanical degeneration of the spine. Like you I was concerned because as soon as you hear degeneration you think disease.

However, when I spoke to my GP she was annoyed at the diagnosis because as she said, mechanical degeneration can mean anything from wear and tear to arthritis to actual degenerative disease.

I agree, I think you need to speak to either your GP or consultant for further clarification. Especially if you want to get your license back.

Take care, and gentle hugs, Margaret. xxx

[ITYFIALMCTT]

Gran17 - do you have a degenerative spinal disease (for which you need clarification from your GP) or degenerative disk disease? As ukmsmi4 describes, DDD is quite common and covers a broad number of conditions. NHS Choices offers a video of helpful exercises: nhs.uk/video/Pages/sciatica...

Your GP might well have some helpful advice for you. Have you been referred for physiotherapy?

[mataubkitty]

Hi Gran, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease at age 26 following a major work related injury. I have been in pain for 21 years because of it. As I age, the more difficulty it gets. I had to stop working because of that and other health problems; including other pain issues in the body. A website I trust for medical issues says this about it and thru the years I have found it to be very accurate as I have neck and back problems because of it: Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions joints.

• Herniated disc, an abnormal bulge or breaking open of a spinal disc.

• Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal camera.gif, the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord camera.gif.

These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function.

Many people do physical therapy and are ok, others use different treatments and they help quite a bit. I had several steroid epidurals that seemed to wok great early on but not anymore as did physical therapy as long as I did the exercises every day and knew my limits. The past 2 years my back has gown down hill and is rolling faster than I can catch it. I have filed for permanent disability. Through all these years I have never been told by any specialist or my doctor that I couldn't drive.

You are your own health advocate. Keep searching and asking questions. I don't know your age but especially if you are fairly young, research all treatment options. There may be one that works well for you. Hope this helps.

[Redhots7]

Gran17, Google it for best explanation 😘

[queen7bey]

Well, Idk. I have the same thing. Got diagnosed 4 yrs ago but the problem started when I was 32 & I'm 43 now. I've tried everything. RF Ablasion, all types of injections & ended up having a bad reaction to the steroids in the injections. I'm on disability bc of it & I can't drive either. Physical therapy & my meds help but truthfully, my quality of life has declined. Hope you get better.

[Gran17]

Just seen different GP have been to surgery 5 times seen 4 different GP's this says mri i results are nothing to worry about, take up Thai chi and get an ebike voltarol for pain. no fit to drive medical said that as i walked from waiting room to his office i am fit to drive first time i have left GP's smiling. Pain must be all in my mind!