Degenerative Disk Disease and Osteoarthritis?

I am only 23, and was just diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease and Osteoarthritis. I am suppose to start PT soon, but the pain is unbearable. The doc I saw said that the pain should not be that bad. But my back is spasming horridly and the pain is crippling. I just got and MRI and X-rays the doc said that surgery is in my future, but it will get worse first. Does anyone have experience with this? I don't feel like waiting for this issue to get even worse is a good option.

You need to find a good Pain Clinic in your area. I have that. If you can not find a Pain Clinic have an orthopedic inject the back. The pain will be bearable if any at all for 2 years. I have that. I have been getting injections for 10 for mine. I know I will eventually need back surgery. PT made my pain worse and the PT had me stop taking the physical therapy. With the injections you can put off the back surgery for a long time. It will get worse. They do the injections under anesthetic and outpatient day surgery. You will need someone to drive you home that day. And no lifting over 5 pounds for 3 days. Try this, it helps me.

yeah im going thru it now.Ive already had back surgery.and pt.right now im taking hydro's. and flexaril and i feel better but still have to be very careful about what i do.your doc knows its pain full,but its part of his job to play it off,and after your surgery he wont want to hear your in pain.my suggestion is if he wont give you anything for pain tell him to refer you to pain management.and if he wont do that tell him you don't need a doctor that wont listen to you and find another,but be polite about it.

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