Herinated Disc/ Degenerative Disc Disease

Hi I'm 51 year old female with painful back going on almost 2 years now.. I had an xray of my upper back and was told I have DDD , I have crunching sounds that i hear at the base of my head and pain and aches down my arm. I awake every day with my right hand numb.. I also had an MRI of the lumbar region and was told I have a herinated disc. I assume they are 2 different problem.. My buttocks and down both legs ache so bad that I must sit down often just to get the pressure off my back.. I am scheduled to see a neurologist in May, earliest in my area , Doctor shortage.. I had some physical therapy and when I went the first time I was told my hips weren't alligned.. Therapy helped for a few days at a time but alway come back..  Will this be something I will deal with for long term?  I work with developemental disabled adults and it's a very demanding job.. Any suggestion to releive this pain ..

Thank you so much for your time..

[janetmh]

I also wanted to inject that the majority of my pain is on the right side., directly behind the hip bone..It is a constant pain.  My doctor had prescribed pain pills , but I am tired when I take them.

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the cervical and/or lumbar spine.  Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

Chronic low back pain is a symptom which needs to be evaluated and it is good that you are seeking medical intervention at this time.  DDD or degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition that occurs due to the normal wear and tear on our spines as we age.  Depending on the extent of the degeneration you could develop herniated discs, stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal and/or vertebral openings through which the spinal nerves travel to various parts of your body.
If the spinal nerves are being compressed (pinched) it will likely result in symptoms of pain, tingling and numbness in the extremities and muscle weakness.
The referral to the neurologist for continued evaluation is most appropriate and it is unfortunate that you need  to wait until May for this to occur.
The hip issues can be related to the disc problems or associated joint dysfunction that occurs with changes in our ability to move secondary to pain.  There may also be concurrent muscle spasms causing this to occur.
At present, you can only try comfort measures until the underlying causes are confirmed with appropriate diagnostic testing (MRI is likely),  Taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Aleve or generic ibuprofen can help.  Using proper body mechanics when lifting, pushing and pulling and avoiding any further trauma to the affected areas is important.
Whether this is a longterm condition or can be treated successfully with conservative care is dependent on the clinical findings and radiology reports.
Hoping the neurologist can assist you further.
Please post with your progress and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ------