Does anyone have degnerative discs?

Question

Does anyone have degenerative discs? What does it mean for me? My spine was injured in two places in my accident and now the xrays show narrowing of the discs, early degeneration and calcification of the discs. I asked my doctor what this meant for me and he just looked funny and said "nothing really, it should be okay". I dont believe him.

Am I going to end up in a wheelchair or something? Its two discs in the thoraxic spine and two the cervical spine.

I have always had "symptoms" and pain in these areas, such as loss of sensation and fine motor skills from the C spine injury and a LOT of pain, and pain in the area of the T spine occassionally when I lean back against a hard chair, and occassionally just general pain in that area. It hasnt been as bad as the C spine pain.

My back isnt very strong, hasnt been since the accident. Now I am wondering Good Lord what next? I would like to know what to expect.

crap I just read its more serious in patients with a spinal myelopathy (sp?) Thats me.

Answer 1

Isotope, you are right not to trust the doctor. I would suggest you get a second opinion.

At this point, based on what you described, don't worry about having Spinal Myelopathy. You did not mention herniated discs. When they herniate (or if they are), you should most definitely should be receiving treatment, if not surgery.

If a herniated disc gets worse, it can press on the nerves — this is called Cervical Radiculopathy (if in the neck). The worst case scenario is when a herniated disc actually presses directly into the spinal cord itself — this is called Cervical Myelopathy. It is an emergency situation and requires the patient to have immediate surgery. So, you are not in that condition (yet).

I would strongly suggest you go to an Osteopath. They are very "hands-on." Unlike a Chiropracter, an Osteopath is an actual medical doctor who can write prescriptions & do surgery. The only difference is that they prefer NOT to do surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. They work on the musculo-skeletal system, the central nervous system, the organs of the body and all the systems — they look at the body as a "whole," much more aware of how one thing can affect another. They do manipulations to help repair the body's structures. I KNOW one could help you.

You should be wearing a HARD cervical collar during the daytime. For your situation, I would recommend the Miami J Collar. You can get it at any surgical supplies store. You need to be measured for it. If you get it written on a prescription, your insurance should pay for it. It will GREATLY reduce the pain you are having.

Do NOT try to exercise your neck, outside of professional physical therapy or manipulation by an Osteopath. You greatly risk herniating the discs; or if they are herniated, you risk pushing the disc into the 2 stages mentioned above.

I won't get too far into my drama, but I have a rare disease that has pretty much destroyed my body. It has caused me to develop several other diseases such as ALS; Lymphoma; Diabetes; COPD, ad nauseum. But the primary disease is eating away at my organs and skeletal system, primarily my spine.

I have Cervical Myelopathy, with 4 herniated discs pressing directly into the spinal cord. Unfortunately, I cannot get the necessary surgery because I only have one-half of a lung left. That's how I learned that a "regular" person who has C.M. would be immediately hospitalized for surgery.

I also have 3 herniated thoracic discs in the same condition. I do not feel I am at the point where I want them to put a brace on my back. It would make it much harder for me to move, since my muscles are very weak. I have been bed-ridden for the past 3 years.

Anyway, I do know a lot about what you are talking about, and I am worried about you. Has your doctor sent you for any type of physical therapy or ordered you a cervical collar? There should be something done for you.

If you want a blunt answer, yes, you could eventually end up in a wheelchair if there is no treatment. If you can't find an Osteopath, at least try to find a good Chiropractor. Go by word-of-mouth, because there are too many who can do more damage than good.

I wish you the best of luck. Get the neck brace; relieve some of that pain. I'll suggest a website to read.

Answer 2

A member of my family does.
He got into a car accident and required lower back surgery. He and I had the same surgery, I healed from it just fine, all things considered. (Meaning it still took close to 2 yrs to be fully recovered) He has not. Over a period of about ten years, his disks deteriorated to the point that he requires an implant to manage pain and muscular tension, must use a walker or cane, and has special shoes. Because of the injury, and disk condition, he is unable to work, since he cannot sit or stand for long periods of time.
However, he also carries a lot of extra weight, which accelerated the degeneration.
I wish I had some positive things to say, but from watching this one case, it doesn't seem to have a bright future. What to expect? Lots of pain medication.

Answer 3

After my brother had an accident and was paralysed, I did so much research about the spinal cord, the discs, bone health etc.
In the conditions that he had to tollerate, I am sure he would have died. He is gradually and very slowly gaining health.
He used to eat through a tube in his stomach. Now he feeds himself. His spine used to be as crooked as a "Z" now it is straight.

You should go on an extreme research program. Find out the right diet, exercise, supplements, and any alternative medicine out there. Look into the wholistic approach.

Herbs, diet, music, art, massage, yoga, chiropractic adjustments, aromatherapy, positive attitude, environment, supplements, nurtition, love, prayer, exercise, etc etc all have an effect on your physical and mental well being.

Answer 4

My husband has many fractures in his back, also has degenerative discs. He is in tremendous pain almost all of the time. He is barely able to walk any distance. Hopefully, you will never get as bad as he is.

Answer 5

My sister-in-law has degenerative bone disease. They said she will be paralyzed within the next couple of years, but get this she has been denied disability. What it means is the disks that were injured are deteriorating.

Answer 6

I have had this for years. It does get progressively worse as you age, but with exercise , proper meds and a good attitude you can live a healthy, productive life. Don't baby your back, do stretching excercises and build up back muscles. keep active, if you try to rest it to much it will stiffen up and you will lose alot of mobility. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 7

Yes, I have these problems. To avoid surgery, (hopefully), I am seeing a Chiropractor. You really should try one, it's helping me quite a bit. They do x-rays and tell you whether they can or cannot help your situation.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

The word 'degenerative' should give you a clue.