bulging discs...

I was dx'd w/ bulging discs in my neck and then today I went to the Pain Management clinic and found out that I have another bulging disc in my lower back. I am going to be having cortisone shots in my neck.. little nervous about that. But hoping it helps. The funny thing is... I have not had any car accidents or injuries to cause any of this. The only thing is that it seems EVERYONE in my family has the same problems....It's just frustrating b/c I'm only 34 and for example, I baked 2 apple pies and apple crisp on Saturday and when I was done, I felt like I had gotten beat up! My neck pain triggered  a headache...etc....It's like a few hours on my feet and I feel like I got hit by a freight train. So frustrating! I need to find out if I have fibro too...I seem to have all the symptoms.. i hope i don't. I am not going for an award for how many things I can get diagnosed with in a single year! Well thanks for listening.
~Melissa

[AndiShah]

Hi Melissa,
Did they diagnose you with degenerative disc disease?  I was diagnosed with that at about your age.  I'm so sorry you are in so much pain!  I can totally relate.  I have 3 ruptured discs in my neck right now and am just waiting for insurance approval on my next artificial disc replacement surgery.  I'm hoping to hear something this week.  It sure fixed the pain in  my lower back.  You might want to check it out.  This will be my 9th back/neck surgery.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at ***@****.  Have a good day.
Andi

[hoagie6]

Thanks for your reply, sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I haven't asked about degenerative disc disease, but I should b/c my mom, my aunt, my grandma (she passed away) all have bulging discs. I know I have arthritis in my neck, and that's another thing that seems to run thru my family as well. I go this Thursday for epidural injections in my neck. We'll see how that goes! I hope you are able to get your disc replacement!! Good luck! Thanks again!
Melissa

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Disc degeneration is a part of aging and the pain associated with degenerative disc disease arises from inflammation and abnormal micromotion instability. The proteins in the disc cause inflammation causing low back pain radiating to hips. the defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain, heightened pain in response to touch, tingling skin, prolonged muscle spasms, weak limbs, muscle twitching etc. other systemic problems are functional bowel disturbances, sleep disturbances, palpitations, etc. brain fog, short term and long term memory loss, depression etc are also seen. Treatment is only limited and directed to symptomatic relief. Anti seizure drugs like gabapentin, pregabalin,dopamine agonists like pramipexole, ropinirole, and cyclobenzaprine can be used to relieve skeletal muscle spasms. Consult your neurologist for evaluation of symptoms and appropriate therapy. Hope this helps. Take care.