Degenerative Disc Disease

[redstatebluegirl]

I am living in constant pain from DDD. I have had one fusion, have put off a second one to try other options. Until the past few months it was not constant. It really makes any quality of life impossible.

Has anyone tried any new alternative treatments that have given you some relief? I meet with the surgeon next week to discuss another fusion. He was not happy when I decided to wait last time, not looking forward to seeing him again but he is really good at what he does.

[hlthe2b]

1. At some point nothing short of surgery may help but some options may help or even

obviate the need at least for now. The Germans and many other countries in Europe really delay IVD surgery (unless loss of nerve function is occurring), and expect patients to exhaust nonsurgical options. The US is far less conservative and if you read the literature, that does not necessarily give us better outcomes. So nonsurgical adjunct therapies are a reasonable option to explore.

Among those are needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture (needles with a small directed electric charge similar to a TENS UNIT that extends the effects and is highly recommended for more chronic conditions). Physical therapy and obviously NSAIDs/muscle relaxants can help. Ultrasound (sound wave) and therapeutic laser therapy are other options with of course, cold/heat therapy as more immediate relief. Because strong core muscles can greatly help take stress off the spine, BUT ONLY WITH THE OVERSIGHT and APPROVAL of your health care specialist, Pilates-- from an instructor specially trained in dealing with it as therapy and not merely preventive exercise-- may be an option.

I would discuss these with both your orthopedic surgeon/neurosurgeon AND your physical therapist (if you have one, as the latter will offer some good insights and referral options)

[redstatebluegirl]

4. Thanks I have a Physical Therapist and a pain management doc.

I will talk to them about it. Thank you!

[hlthe2b]

7. Good. That is a good duo to consult with.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Have not had experience with that illness

But dad used health grade DMSO @70%, topically for cancer bone pain, and he was happy with it. I've used it for pain related to swelling, allergies, and sinus pain.

[redstatebluegirl]

3. Do I need a prescription for that?

[bucolic_frolic]

5. No, there are many OTC creams or gels containing dmso

I've seen it on eBay, or any good local health food store will carry it. The liquid is sold at 100% concentrate, and I recall reading to always dilute it with at least 30% water. It is a solvent, and at 100% it will strip the finish off just about anything including plastics. But at 30% dilution it acts more slowly.

[redstatebluegirl]

6. Thanks!

[bucolic_frolic]

8. You bet. Good luck, let us know reaults if you choose that direction.

[SheltieLover]

9. Have you seen a physiatrist?

Also, disc replacement has been done in Germany for decades. Was finally approved in States some 15-20 years ago.

A friend had it done & was very pleased with the result.

[redstatebluegirl]

10. No, just about every other kind though.

[SheltieLover]

11. You might want to investigate these 2 options.

I think it was Rush-Presbyterian Hosp in Chicago where friend had disc replacement done. Sorry, can't recall doc's name.