I have had back problems for several years, herniated discs, scoliosis, vertebral spurs, degenerative arthritis, all causing much pain, muscle spasms and leg swelling. I’ve only been able to see a family physician now and then when the budget allowed, and the best he could do was some pain meds, then referred me to a pain management specialist which I cannnot afford. I’m one of those Americans who slipped through the cracks. Been working and raising my children alone for 13 years, can’t afford health insurance, was laid off from work several months ago and even using unemployment benefit wages which are about 60% of what I used to earn, I do not qualify for medicaid. At 96. a month I am told I make "far too much" for a family of 4, go figure. I’ve looked for things like clinical studies, haven’t found any in Palm Beach County and other medical problems I believe may exclude me anyway. I have a good 20 more yrs in the work force ahead of me and have to be able to work, any ideas ?
Thank you all for so much good info. Dept of Children & Families informed me I was not income eligible for medicaid, as a matter of fact I was denied food stamp benefits today because I "don’t have sufficient income at this time to cover my household bills" ?? Have checked into SSI or disability and was told I had to have been unable to work for 6 months prior to applying or I am not eligible to place an application. Pain or not I have had to stay working (until I was laid off) I’m the sole family support. And I will definately try the accupressure (A friend gave me Kava-kava from Hawaii, didn’t feel much improvement) But thanks again all!

This happened twice within two weeks. The first time they said I would never get my saved mail back but the techs quickly did. This time it is taking forever. I am 63 and have anxiety and panic attacks, along with degenerative arthritis and all this just exacerbates my problems, so I’ll leave my once favorite company for being treated like a dog.
Also, I never let more than a day or two go by without using yahoo mail and I Never asked to be deleted.

My friend who is 40ish, has been having some vision problems lately… He says especially when he is in the dark, his eyes start to go gray, almost like he is losing his vision…scary! But as soon as he turns on a light he says it gwts better. No vision problems up until now~ Another, he can be looking at like a computer screen and things go unfocused and a little blurry, no double vision.. What do you think? Has neck problems(Cervical Degenerative Arthritis) Thanks for the input~

My grandparents are 74 and 84 years old and reside in Puerto Rico. Problem is they live alone and have nobody to care for them. My grandfather has altzeimers and diabetes and is getting lost and loosing his money constantly. Grandmother has heart condition and can’t walk due to a degenerative arthritis. They don’t have any one to help them with basics like cooking, cleaning and going to the Dr. or leisure activity. Grandmother is willing to move with me but grandfather is scared of moving someplace new. They have been robbed several times because neighbors know they are alone and vulnerable. Is there any way I can legally become like their "guardian" and try and get them to move even beyond my grandfather’s will if Dr. confirms his illness? There aren’t many options for elders in Puerto Rico. Unless you are at your deathbed. Any suggestions?

I have Degenerative Disc Disease, Fibromyalgia, Post Traumatic Stress DIsorder, Panic and Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Arthritis, Fractures and inversion of the spine, as well as migraines.

One year ago I was victim of an idiot that decided that red lights are meant for running. Well, his mistake caused me 3 ruptured discs and one bulging disc in my lower back. They are also telling me that I have degenerative disc disease and arthritis has began to settle into the injuries. I now take four 10mg percoset, 900 mg of neurontin, and 8mg of Zanaflex daily (obviously not at once). I have been to 2 Neurosurgeons, one saying I need surgery and the other saying NO because I was not in extreme pain. I saw the first surgeon before the Neurontin did its magic and second one after being numb. My body has built up a tolerance to the percoset and its not taking pain away like it used too not to mention my body CRAVES it. My doctor has not switched the meds even though I have told her that they are not working. Is there something out there I can use that is non habit forming? Has anyone had similar injuries and went thru the surgery. I am only 31 and want my life back. Any advice?

Have multiple bulging disks and degenerative arthritis lower back plus bulging disk with bone spur pressing on spinal cord on neck. Constant pain, trouble walking, lifting, everything, ect.

I was recently diagnosed through an MRI with bilateral facet hypertrophy in my lower back at L5-S1 and L3-5. Also degenerative facet disease along with a disc bulge and a tear. I had a previous MRI two years ago which claimed I had scoliosis, but never mentioned the facet problem. I am wondering, is the hypertrophy arthritis or stenosis? It says somewhere else on the report that I have no canal stenosis, but I also have an EMG to prove that I have some minor nerve damage, which causes foot numbness??? I am very confused. Does anyone know the correct definition of hypertrophy? My Rheumatologist mentioned arthritis, but someone else said stenosis. Thanks in advance.
I’ve a Neurologist for the EMG, to confirm the nerve damage recently, but the last time I saw a neurosurgeon was before my second MRI, which confirmed the facet disease. At that time I just had the bulging and torn disc and the mild scoliosis diagnosis. He didn’t recommend surgery. He also diagnosed me with DDD. What scares me is how fast my back has degenerated just in two years! My father had Reiters Syndrome. I am wondering if I should be tested to see if I have the genetic marker for ankylosing spondylitis, because I’ve been having trouble with my back (my neck too) since I was a kid??
I meant that I saw the neurosurgeon before my first MRI. Whoops.
Darn it!!! Scratch the last comment addition. My first addition was right. I saw the neurosurgeon after my first MRI. DUH!

Was taken off shots after being told that new studies show 2yrs is long enough. I recived it for 3 and half years and was not instructed to take calcium supplements(standard practice now) I am being told that new studies have linked it to brittle bones. I still haven’t had a cycle yet and its been 8mths. I already have degenerative arthritis and had a battle with osteomylitis from an old carwreck i was in yrs ago. Can anyone tell me anything about this form of birthcontrol. Veterans hospital isnt set up to deal with young female vets. Can you believe the doc had her NP give me this shot repeatedly without researching it or my medical history.Is there anything i can do to reverse any damage to my bones or health for that matter.

This is my mri report June 3rd. Just want to know how bad do you think this report is?? Mild, Moderate, Severe?? I’m 38 years old. Have 5 sisters, 5 brothers, and my mom. No one else in the family has arthritis, nor spinal problems.

A Nuerosurgeon is going to give me an epidural injection on July 15th for C6-7. I’ve never had any of these done before. How bad do these hurt??

The doc prescribed Neurontin & Tramadol for pain. The Neurontin is take 1 capsule twice/day and 2 @ bedtime. (300mg).
The Tramadol is take 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours. (50mg.)
I also have been prescribed Ibuprofen 800mg., use when needed.
I feel the meds do not help for pain, or stiffness (especially in the a.m. when I wake up).

REPORT:

Small herniated disc C5-6, with some mild bulges at C4-5 and C6-7.
Minimal Arthritis.

HNP (L) C5-6 (Herniated Nucleus Pulposus=(“Slipped disc”).
(L) C6 radiculopathy= (“Nerve Root Damage“).
Mild DJD Cervial Spine= (“Degenerative Joint Disease”)

400+lbs.; hypertension; degenerative arthritis; heart murmur; ashmatic …I’ve tried many fad diets and none of them work. I really need help from someone who knows how to help me become more healthy. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do.

I have been diagnosed with degenerative bone and disc disease. for years I didn’t have any dental problems, even though the dentist told me that I have "soft teeth". For that reason and having braces when i was a teenager, I made it a habit of brushing my teeth several times a day. I will even wake up at night and brush my teeth.
Now, in the past 1 1/2-2 years my teeth will just crumble and eventually some of them have hurt which meant they had to be extracted. The tooth will look healthy. I had a FRONT TOOTH to crumble and fall out WHILE I WAS BRUSHING!
My dentist told me that other than the deteriorating my teeth were healthy. There were no signs of plaque or improper brushing.
I am now 37 years old and I have been diagnosed with the bone and spine disease along with arthritis in my back but does this type of disease affect a persons teeth.
Please serious answers only worth 10 points!

Could it be arthritis?It’s about the size of a small egg and on one knee it’s bigger than on the other knee.When I walk or stand a lot,it gets bigger and my leg feels sort of numb.When I sit and rest it goes down.
An orthapedic doctor told me a couple of years ago it was a cyst.If so what should I do,if anything,about it?
A lady friend who has expierence with older adults and health issues said this cyst could wrap around the nerves and cut off my circulation.
I would like to hear from a nurse/doctor or anyone who knows about this problem.I am 61 yrs old,female.I also have degenerative disk disease,could it be coming from a pinched nerve?
I haven’t been to a doctor for this yet.
Thanks in advance.
Is exercise a good or bad thing?My knees are stiff every morning and before it rains.
Is there anything I can take to relieve the fluid without surgery?

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical
damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A to name a few.
When you have too few antioxidants to counteract your free radicals, significant damage can occur, leading to a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from stroke and fibromyalgia, to sinusitis, arthritis, vision problems, and even Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. A poor diet, cigarette smoking, environmental pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun also increase the free-radical load, creating a situation known as "oxidative stress."

I have chronic osteoarthritis and Degenerative Joint and Disc disease.One doctor has said Fibro and one says no. Lately I have been feeling an awful stinging in my wrist and my heels of my feet. It feels like I have a bad blister on the sides of my heels and there is nothing there and also the same sting in my wrist. It is nothing like the awful ache I am used to from the Arthritis. I’m hoping someone can help give me an idea of which condition could be causing this?

I have no cartilege (degenerative joint disease) in both knees I am 35 yrs old and used to exercise daily. Pain keeps me from exercising now and it also makes arthritis worse if you DONT exercise. Any suggestions? Knee replacement is NOT an option for me at this point in my life. They are only good for 10 years (is my understanding) I can’t afford the gym and can’t access an indoor pool. PLEASE HELP.

i know absolutely nothing about it.
if im fifteen years can i do it? or is there a certain age?
i know this will sound completely weird but i just got my lip pierced twice and i loved the pain so my friend said giving blood would be a good since i can tolerate the needles.
the medical problems i have are messed up joints and degenerative arthritis in my ankles(i have two malpracticed surgeries) and asthma. would that affect me if i gave blood?
give me as much facts about it as you can. thank you.

Hello. I am 23 year old female and I had a spinal fusion surgery when i was 14 years old for a very severe scoliosis. I have recently been to a doctor and I have evidence of degenerative changes in my lower back (arthritis). On normal days I feel regular aches and pains but on bad rainy days especially in the winter the pain can be excruciating to the point where I went to the hospital once and cried through a whole day of classes another time. I have tried wet heat bags that you microwave and put on the location of pain and have recently been prescribed muscle relaxors.

My question is this. Is this normal and do other people who had this surgery go through this every time it rains too? What do you do about it and what helps the most? Thank you I appreciate every answer.
To the person who mentioned bad discs this indeed is one of my problems. My MRI showed degeneration and arthritis developing in the lower non fused part of my back but that pain I feel daily and is different from the pain I feel on rainy wet days but I would also appreciate any advice on lower back pain for degenerative discs as well. Thanks

I’m 20, and have been diagnosed with scoliosis and also degenerative arthritis (either rheumatoid or osteo - still have to do blood work to find out). Being as young as I am, what can I expect the future to hold for me concerning these problems?

Also, my spine apparently curves the opposite way in which it would normally go in most people (I think to the left maybe? I’m not sure, just the other way than normal).

Ezorb calcium supplements, sold by Elixir Industries,available in capsule or powder form, is supposed to be a somewhat of a miracle cure for all kinds of bone joint and muscle diseases…eg. arthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, fibromialgia,bone fractures, nerve and muscle pain, and back pain.On their website there are many confirmed believers with testimonials as to its effectiveness but that’s par for the course. I need to hear some more results not published by the company itself.If you have any more information, positive or negative, I would sure appreciate it. I have numerous cervical bone spurs one of which is just touching the anterior spinal cord and am looking for a viable alternative to surgery. If anyone out there knows of any other options I might explore, I’m open to suggestions. My doctor wants to cut out the spurs and discs involved then fuse the area, using bone replacement etc. I prefer to stay the way the good Lord made me if possible.
In response to aaaime1…I have spoken to their medical staff rep but I just wanted to get input from the general public that may have used their product. They seem to be a reputable business, on the up and up …I am looking for the voice of experience with their product not coming from their website since as you might know obviously any company only publishes the positive about their product. Thanks for your input though, I’m specifically looking for a product that will dissolve bone spurs so as to avoid having them removed surgially!

My crybaby boyfriend has been diagnosed w/ this in his back. Just wondered how REALLY painful this is or is he just a crybaby? I heard it is just arthritis. Somebody tell me something-I am about to murder him .50 yr old BABY.

I was just diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, route nerve impingement, and arthritis in my back and I am in a significant amount of pain. The doctor gave me Motrin 600. It does nothing for my pain. He didn’t give me any advice on how I can help my back. I tried to go to Urgent care and they turned me away. What do I do and why don’t they care?

degenerative disk and arthritis in my lower back and neck. I prefer a firm mattress, so am leary about futons and how comfortable they are to sleep on. Do the mattress come in soft med and firm?

thanks

2 yrs ago i was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. symptoms have gotten worse so doc ordered an mri. today i learned in addition i have degenerative disc and joint disease. he will talk to me about this at my next appt. is anyone familiar with this ?

I have degenerative disc disease and severe arthritis in my lumbar spine. I take pain meds daily. I heard about something called Lyrica and was wondering if anyone has a similar condition and has taken this medication?