Treating Chronic Low Back Pain from Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease - Patients' Advice

I am 22-yr female diagnosed with DDD over a year ago. After years of increasing pain in sports through high school (seeking aid from athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc), I finally had a doctor who had tests done and referred me to Mayo Clinic. Mayo, being so renowned, did nothing for me. I went to the Twin Cities Spine Center, where I had x-rays done. They sent me to St. Cloud to have a CTScan. They gave me two MRIs. I have been through PT, Chiropractics, 4 steriod injections, a multitude of pain pills, including Celebrex. I have also had an anti-inflammatory injection of some sort (?). The doctor will only recommend aspirin, ibuprofen (which gives me ulcers) swimming and walking. Swimming in the cold pools makes my whole body tight, increasing my back pain. I walk all day at work (with a pedometer, counting 8,000-10,000 steps, averaging 4-5 miles of walking daily, just for daily life). Stretching causes pain the following day. I have just purchased a new, FIRM, pillow-top bed that has been better for sleep. Once in a hydrocodone is necessary to sleep pain-free through the night. Otherwise, no success. KEEP THE FAITH.

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God will not give you something that you can not handle. Be grateful for life, albiet hard, somedays. I thank God that I have a family that supports me and tries to understand my pain.

From: Nicole

I was diagnosed with DDD (disc herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1) after developing pain while running a few months ago. I immediately began icing and PT, but gave up the latter after about eight weeks. I stretched every day for 20-30 minutes, completed a full-body workout with weights twice a week and eased back into running for about seven weeks. I was perfectly fine until a week ago. It was then I began to notice the numbness returning to my left leg. I pulled back the reins have been walking only. But that familiar "pinching" of the nerve is noticeable. I can only hope that by easing up, I can heal and start all over again. But so far the stretching and exercise have been the best remedy!

From: Marc - California, USA

I have had both hips replaced. At that time, my back really began to bother me, and I have ddd, some stenosis, and one disc that is out of alignment. My back hurts when I sit, and my legs and feet tingle when sitting or laying down. This has been going on for four years now. What works? I experimented myself trying to get the discomfort under control. I read that glucosamine can really help. I just started using a natural product called Replenex. I also take fish oil capsules. I have tried vit. b complex, msm, and various other supplements. I lift light weights, some yoga, and stretching exercises. I also take a prescription called clonazpam (1/2 tablet) at night to help me relax and sleep. I hope to find a permanent solution someday soon. A positive attitude along with positive self talk benefits anyone.

From: S. Martin – Arizona, USA

I have suffered from DDD for the last 5 years. Recently - it seems to want to progress. I have done chiropractic therapy, massages, facet, sacrum, and regular epidural injections. I have been bone scanned, mri'd, sonogrammed, blood tested, poke and prodded more then I care to admit. I recently just went and tried acupuncture. I was scared to death and to be honest after having over 20+ spinal injections - I seriously doubted this was going to help? But...its been 4 days...and I think it may have actually helped. I still hurt...mind you I am squirming like a worm. But it feels more like my coccyx on fire today then my usual low L4/L5. I plan to try again next week. They said to try at least 3 times to see if effective. You may want to give it a try. Other then that my best friend is an ice/gel pack...that I use religiously!

From: Renee – Maryland, USA

I heard about new type of surgery called ABRASION for DDD it supposed to be promising. I saw a hospital doing it in Germany.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL

From: Wael - USA

I am 29 and have been dealing with DDD for 2.5 years now. I find that going to a good chiropractor every couple weeks and exercising daily (walking or using an elliptical trainer and stretching) work well. Moist heat helps the discomfort duing the flare ups. I have tried acupuncture and it didn't do a thing for it...neither did physical therapy...in fact the physical therapy made my pain worse. Ultracet also has helped to keep me comfortable during the flare ups. I would encourage anyone who has this to not give up and just experiment with the different conservative treatments options there are and see what works for you. It took me a long time to figure out what worked best for me. I can't say that the pain ever competely goes away, but it can be kept to a minimum so that life can go on. Hang in there and just remember there is always someone worse off than you.

From: Diana - New York, USA

I was diagnosed with DDD and 3 herniated discs of the L3/4/S1 four years ago. My Occ Med doctor put me on a regimine of pills but nothing seemed to work. Later after physical therapy I was sent to a neuro surgeon who had some MRI’s done that revealed the injuries. He the performed the microdiscectomy and I went thru more therapy after recovering from surgery. I then tried pool therapy but nothing seemed to help. Every step of the way I kept telling my physicians to please help me but I didnt want addictive meds. They always said not to worry. For over a year I was on an array of medications. Oxycontin, elevil, ambien, lexapro and celebrex was the regimine for the final 8 months or so. Nothing seemed to work. My doctor wanted to do the fusion but I said only as a last resort…this was four years ago mind you….My neighbor supplies TENS units and mentioned that he thought it might be a good idea to get one if I got a prescription from my doctor. I did, and it was the best thing that I ever got!!! After everything that I went thru, why was it that a neighbor was my best adviser? He educated me on the application of the TENS machine and I felt better right away. As time went by, my pain went from a 7 out of 10, to a 2 out of 10. Never got the fusion, never needed physical therapy again and now I am working and feeling great! If you have back pain get a TENS machine, it fit onto your belt like a pager and is easy to use.

From: Freddie Fancher

Figure skating competitively and professionally for 15 years left me with DDD in the lumbar spine. I have been dealing with the pain now for 2 years and have tried everything I know of: chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, epidurals, pilates, yoga, supplements, exercise, stretching, resting, you name it. Truth is, nothing has taken the pain away and I struggle with it everyday. The only thing that keeps me going is focusing on a positive attitude and thanking God for the wonderful things HE has given me. I have an amazing support system and just try to get through each day knowing that. I do 60 minutes of cardiovascular 6 days a week, drink lots of water to hydrate the discs, eat right to feed them, stretch everyday, and take good quality supplements. Though the pain tries everyday to get the better of me, I won't give up trying to overcome this. God bless you all! You're not alone!

From: Carrianne – Florida, USA

Well I've had 2 surgeries to my lower lumbar. 1st was a laminectomy which failed miserably (and I had the flu right after coming home from hospital) and due to that I had fusion of the lower lumbar region L2 to S1. I was in more pain after the procedure than before - much more. I have tried any and every medication there are on the market and even the patches (Fentanyl). Nothing has been effective. Physical therapy exercise was my enemy. I could tolerate the water therapy. I have finally decided after 7 years of misery to have an implanted drug infusion system. This has been the answer for me, and hopefully for everyone who has one or is considering one. Research it thoroughly and get a second opinion anyway. Knowledge is our friend - we can't get enough of it.

From: Lee – Texas, USA

My dilemma of back pain started in 1997, MRI was performed and it showed DDD!

Ihad numerous spinal epidural steroid blockage treatment, with a relief of pain for up to 5 month until2004. An MRI proved a worn out S1-to L4/5 - it explained the weakness in the left leg, numbness andextreme pain in both legs, weakness of the bladder!!

A spinal surgeon sugested an laminectomy and it was very successful.

From: Elisabeth

I have suffered from DDD for about 5 years now. I have had 2 surgeries and strongly recommend you think about the after effects. I am now in chronic nerve pain, which is a result of damage from surgery - in effect I have been cured of one thing only to be left with another! I have just refused more surgery. I have just come off Tramadol in exchange for Gabopentin; I have yet to feel the benefit and am waiting for epidural injections. I have been through the depression stage and accept that I have to slow down now (I am 42). The only thing I find that helps is to keep moving around. I have heard that swimming helps, so that’s my next step. Staying positive and getting acceptance from both yourself and your family eases the problems of depression. Keep smiling even when you're crying inside and everyone else stays happy, which also picks up your mood - sounds silly but it works for me.

From: Angelicghost – England, UK

I strongly recommend moist heat for the pain of DDD. It is a blue belt, called "the Bed Buddy", which doesn't need to be worn as a belt, and can be used also on joints. It can be heated in the microwave or stored in the fridge for cool relief.

From: Anonymous – New York, USA

I was diagnosed with DDD 3 years ago. I used to work out a lot (47 years old, weights, aerobics, etc) but then stopped to help my husband out at the office. Within a year or so the pain started. I think all that exercise had allowed me to live a pain free existence. So getting back towards that has been a journey. I have had physical therapy and worked with a postural therapist and both helped. The one thing I have to add to all the above ideas is yoga. I have gone 2-3 times a week for the past 8 months and am seeing a big improvement. It has helped me to zero in on the areas that are tight that I hadn't been aware of (like the hips) and how these tight areas pull on your spine. At the beginning I couldn't do many of the movements (and that's totally ok in yoga) and now can do most of them. I find myself smiling during class even though a particular stretch might be uncomfortable, because I never thought I would be able to do it a year ago. I take a power yoga which helps to build strength along with stretching. I notice the pain is worse if I stop exercising for a few days.Good luck and keep trying and don't stop exercising.

From: Kathleen – California, USA

I have suffered for years with lower back pain from DDD and muscle fatigue. I have been to see 3 doctors and 2 chiropractors and finally one of them suggested that my problem may be the mattress that I am sleeping on. I had a Stearns and Foster for about 2 1/2 years and thought that by spending $3000 for a bed that I should be sleeping better. I went into a local store and they told me that a mattress can make a difference so they did a test on me and showed me the difference between the beds. Well, long story short I bought a $700 Doctors' Choice and have slept on it for almost a year now and I must admit I am sleeping better and not waking up with a sore back any more. I had to go to a retail store to find out what was wrong with me.

From: Rob – Colorado, USA

I experienced pain for several years before a doctor suggested a procedure called IDET (more detail on this site if you search for “IDET”).

It worked for me when my pain was isolated to L5-S1 but the DDD has begun working its way further up my back. The treatment is a good alternative to invasive surgery. I have been mostly pain free for about 5 years now and would recommend inquiring about the procedure for anyone who suffers from DDD.

Other than that, stretching and exercise have been my biggest help. Mainly keeping a good attitude and not giving in to the pain. Good luck!

From: Jazz – Virginia, USA

I am a 41 year old woman and felt I was at the peak of my life when I started getting severe back pain and fell in my kitchen with terrible pain in my lower back and groin area. I was diagnosed with DDD herniation in the L5-S1 area. I have tried physical therapy, chiropractic care with 5 weeks of spinal decompression, BRT (no needle acupunture treatment)and now I am back to physical therapy. The only thing that keeps me going is my family, friends and a combination of anti-inflam drugs & Tylenol 8 hr chased with coffee 3x's a day..why this combination works…? Who knows. In a few weeks I must decide to have back surgery if this second try at physical therapy does not work. It has truly changed my life. Depression was starting to set in. I knew if I kept feeling sorry for myself that it would get me nowhere. I felt like I was holding my spouse back from having a great life because I can’t walk good or sit anymore and I was so mad at myself. I have realized this was not my choice or my fault and I had to stop making my condition worse. God must have a plan for me to take a rest for now. I refused to have the spinal injections because I have diabetes and don't want steroids in my body. I wish everyone the best of luck. Attitude and a good support system plus a good mattress!!!!!

From: Christine – Beachwood, USA

Just been told that surgery cannot be done on three cervical discs that plague my life. I can do one of two things, be positive or negative. As a farmer, my job is physical and hurts. Pain killers are great but they scare the hell out of me. I've tried most physio and anti inflammatories to no avail but will not give up the search if not for me, then for my fantastic wife and child who understand and take everything from short temper to mood swings. Don't give up, smile when you can and try to adjust to your new but forced lifestyle. Remember there is always someone worse off than yourself. We must keep going to help each other. Good luck.

From: Richie – Northumberland, England

I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and have had some success with physiotherapy exercises, which I have been doing 4 or more times a week for several months. My program has consisted of various stretches, and lots of swiss ball core strengthening exercises which have gotten grogressively more advanced. I also walk for an hour or more most days and play social football (soccer) at the weekend. A year ago I had pain in my hip and sciatica. The pain has now moved to my lower back (physio says this is a good sign) and is milder, though it varies, worse in the mornings before I get moving, sore and sometimes painful spasms after football (but OK during the game if I keep moving). There hasn't really been any improvement for a while, so I'm thinking this might be as good as it gets. The pain is not severe so I would not consider surgery, but would be interested in anything that might offer improvement.

From: Jenny – New Zealand

I am a 22yr old male with DDD, and a slipped disc at L4-5. I have this pain in my lower, lower spine that burns really bad. I am starting a new program at the NEBH in Massachusetts called the "back boot camp" program. It’s supposed to be a great program. What helps me currently is heat, ice, hot tubs, Ultram, muscle relaxants and lidocaine patches. I am unable to take narcotics due to an existing condition so it’s really hard to keep sane. My best medicine is love and I try not to let health problems get in the way of having fun. It’s just tough because I am so young and it’s supposed to get worse. If you’re like me I can literally feel your pain. What I would give for a full week with no pain… Good luck to all.

From: Dan – Massachusetts, USA

I have DDD and am waiting for a lumbar fusion of the L4-L5, and L5-S1 in my lower back. I had spent so many nights not sleeping, that depression set in also. I finally broke down and bought the Doctor's Choice mattress. It was the best thing I could have done. Before I made this important decision, I looked at several different mattresses. Now I sleep much better. Although no mattress will alleviate the pain, it sure helps to rest a little easier at night.

From: Sheila – Illinois, USA

I had lower lumbar fusion, and that was the worst choice I ever made. With the fusion came blood clots (3 total, 2 to my lung) and before that I had 10 sets of 3 steroid injections. As you have read, a tens unit is only temporary relief. I live off a duralgesic pain patch, 3-6 pain pills and volume daily. This is all in lower back. Now I just found out my neck is starting to go also with this lovely DDD. The only advice I can offer is enjoy the little things, love your friends and family and remember for every pill there is a side effect. I’m now also anemic, unable to take iron, and have internal bleeding somewhere they are unable to find. So go at your own pace, and always remember you are a person, not a number when you go to a clinic or DRS. Study, research, walk as much as possible. Also, bottled water is good. And take a good vitamin. And try to eat healthy. Get exercise, and if you find yourself depressed, it’s okay. Talk to someone. We all get down once in a while - it goes hand in hand. GOOD LUCK...

From: Lynn Ann Freese - Illinois, USA

I have had many treatments for my back pain, physiotherapy, chiropractor, acupuncture...

But I have found that 3 monthly trips to a chiropractor and regular swimming, aerobic exercise by way of a Elliptical Cross Trainer and a swissball for those all important core muscles . I also recommend trying the Robin Mckenzie exercises and plenty of stretching exercises, a good book for this is The Back Coach as it has exercises for Monday through to Friday. I still suffer a lot of pain and have found the health care in the UK to be second class and a poor cousin compared to the USA and other european countries. I found anything involving bending always makes my back pain worse as well as prolonged sitting. I always use ice packs after exercise followed by a hot water bottle. But most importantly the only help is self help so don't give in to the pain.

From: Carl Brightman - Hampshire, UK

The best treatment I received was a procedure called "Radio-frequency" (R-F). I have had R-F 4 times since 2001. My lower back is doing much better. Before, the pain was like someone shoving a knife in my back. R-F "kills" the pain-sending nerves. I now also do back exercises as well as sit ups. The pain is not completely gone, but it is a lot less. I highly recommend this to those that don't want to live on pain killers.

From: Spooky – Utah, USA

I have lots of spinal problems. I have degenerative disc disease, lots of spurs, lots of other problems. I have received chiropractic care quite regularly for the last 4 years. It has helped greatly. My chiropractor has a product called Biofreeze that helps some. At this office I also receive ultrasound treatments, massages, and TENS (electrical stimulation), all of which help, but very short term. Yesterday, TENS only lasted an hour. Manipulation seems to help the most. I also use heat and cold packs - always end in cold. Exercising and stretching, lots of stretching, with all my joint problems I retain a good ROM I think because of stretching. I have had a set of 3 lumbar epidural injections, twice. First time helped for about 1-1/2 years, second time for about a month. My doc wants me to try again, we'll see. The massages and TENS feel the best at the time, but are the shortest lived. In short, my chiropractor, stretching, and ice packs are my best friends. I would like to try acupuncture sometime.

From: Lindy – Ohio, USA

I have been suffering from degenerative disc disease for over 15 years. I have done it all - physical therapy, steroid shots, exercise; all tests - diskogram, mylogram, mri, cat scan... I was just informed that there are 4 discs involved and they can't be operated on (fusion). My surgeon is having me get a big brace. I am tired of living on pills and not living a normal, semi pain-free life.

From: J

Physical therapy 3 times a week worked. A combination of acupuncture and Feldenkrais sessions also worked. Unfortunately, all three of these treatments are very expensive. I've given them all up and take Mobic instead. My insurance will pay for that.

From: Brenda

My biggest advice to anyone suffering from DDD would be attitude. After becoming disabled and having severe chronic pain 24/7, I came to understand that I had lost the old me, I was now someone new and had to learn to be this new person. I have learned to deal with pain, it can be very depressing. I have learned my limits of what I can or cannot do. I have had to learn to try new things when change is hard for me, but there may be something new on the market that will be better and more affordable. Also not all treatments may be for you, everybody is different. I have had two surgeries and need a 3rd and epidurals have not helped . I may not consider anymore surgery as I have damage or new problems caused by the older surgeries. Physical therapy has been the best idea - it helps me to sleep and have more energy during the day, keeps the swelling down. I do not advise persons with more than one fusion to have chiropractic work done in the surgical areas, and heat therapy versus cold therapy is best. Problem is bone and not tissue, save the ice, stick to heat pads, wraps, hot tubs, massage, pain medication, exercise like walking. When there is a lot of swelling it is ok to rest awhile. Try a hobby that you can do, life goes on and you just do what you can.

From: Wendy – California, USA

I tried the DRX9000 back stretcher-outer with no success. I have 2 herniated and slipped discs in the lower back. Exercise is what helps me the most. Contrary to what I've heard, running seems to help me. I haven't had any injections but I do use icy hot on a regular basis. I go for several weeks at a time without constant pain. I quickly forget how fragile my back is and reinjure or aggravate it again. I could hardly move around this weekend after I hurt my back lifting a dog into the bed of my truck. The only relief was to lay flat on my back. This morning I could hardly put my shoes on. One positive thing about back pain is that you really learn to appreciate the times when you don't hurt. Every time my back goes out my prayer to God is that I might be able to enjoy one more run in the desert. It has made me appreciate what I do have. If you are suffering with back pain I sincerely and truly hope you find some comfort. Please, hang in there! The times of refreshment will always come back and if their frequency diminishes the contrasting joy will increase :)

From: Jon – Arizona, USA

I had fusion and metal rods and screws L2 - S1 Oct 1, 2002. The pain is worse now than it was before surgery. The pressure from the instrumentation of the spine caused L1 to herniate. Now they want to have an anterior surgery and replace the metal and go up another level to L1. Since I was not helped by the surgery before, I am not having another painful unsuccessful surgery. I have decided to live in severe chronic pain. I wish I never had the surgery. Physical therapy has helped me to be more active, but nothing I have tried has helped with the pain other than drugs.

From: Anonymous

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