General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Degenerative disc disease? Rss Feed  
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2015-02-18 12:56 PM

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Subject: Degenerative disc disease?
I have had some sharp shoulder pain when I ride on and off for over a year now. I have tried PT, chiro, ignoring it, etc, but with IMTX training and with ramping up the mileage, the pain has been worse. I finally bit the bullet and went and saw a Sports Med Orthopedic and he said that the pain is coming from my neck, not my shoulder. He did some Xrays, and determined that I have some degeneration between C6-C7. He says that it is basically like arthritis, but it can grow worse over time with symptoms going to numbness in the hands, muscle atrophy, etc. None of those symptoms are present...yet. He said that he doesn't see anything that would take me out of IMTX, but he also doesn't have anything that can make it better, so basically, I can train, but it is going to hurt. He has now ordered an MRI to just make sure there isn't further damage than what he can see and also look at other treatment options. He said that it may affect future racing or training in the future.

Anyone have experience with this? I have to admit, I am pretty nervous, though maybe I shouldn't be? I guess it is just the unknown as well as when you hear words like "permanent damage" and "I am afraid the MRI may tell us what you don't want to hear" that makes me nervous. Any insight would be great!


2015-02-18 2:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
All too familiar with this. I had an issue with the same verts two years ago. Pain up and down my arm, limited range of motion in my neck, could not sit at my desk, could not sleep for more than 2 hours straight. I could run, but the first 1/2 mile was intensely painful. Went to a spine specialist, was told it was a herniated disk and "had to operate" I said, great, what other options do I have. I was determined not to have surgery before exhausting all other options. I settled on trying for cortisone injections into the verts. I did two, one month apart. After the second one, I was back at it in about 8 weeks.

I still have some tingles today, but mostly during weather changes. I pray each day it doesnt come back, but have been told from numerous docs (medical and chiropractors) that its only a matter of time before I have bigger issues. The chiro recommends I stay on my visit plan. The medical doc seems to be rushing me into the OR. Either way, I have done a few oly's and HM's since the injections. Good luck, I know how painful it can be.

BTW, I was told I could have permanent damage if it wasnt treated. I had intermittent pain for 4 years, so I wasnt too concerned about that. Figured it would have happened by now.

Edited by hessma 2015-02-18 2:46 PM
2015-02-18 3:27 PM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?

I had problems with my C6 & C7 related to playing football in high school (pain and numbness in my neck & arms..  It ended my football career (no big loss). 

I've got them fused and haven't had any nerve problems since.  I have some restricted range of motion, but nothing too noticeable.

Good luck.  Hope you can get some relief from your discomfort.

Mark

 

2015-02-18 5:45 PM
in reply to: RedCorvette

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?

I don't have experience with degenerative disk disease in my neck but I do in my low back, as well as a couple of herniated disks.  I was advised to get a fusion last January but I have found a way to avoid it.  From what I've been able to gather from talking with doctors and others, degenerative disk disease is something that happens to pretty much everybody.  Some people have symptoms, some people don't, sometimes the symptoms are mild with severe degeneration, sometimes they're severe with mild degeneration. Bottom line is that everybody's situation is different so you may never develop the symptoms he's describing.

Try not to panic too much about the MRI (easier said than done, I know).  It may be that there's something else going on other than degenerative disks.  Other treatment modalities to consider are PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and as previously mentioned, steroid injections.  If you go the chiro route, see if you can find a rehab chiro (they have advanced training) who can help you get better instead of one who just wants you to come back every 3 weeks for the rest of your life.

Good luck!!

2015-02-18 7:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
Thank you! This insight is very helpful. I am anxious to see what the MRI says later in the week.
2015-02-18 11:59 PM
in reply to: KatieLimb

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
if you did xrays of a group of 100 adults, I'd wager that mroe than half would have the same xray findings. Don't worry about it. good to know but don't let it interfere with what you want to do.


2015-02-19 6:40 AM
in reply to: AdventureBear

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
Originally posted by AdventureBear

if you did xrays of a group of 100 adults, I'd wager that mroe than half would have the same xray findings. Don't worry about it. good to know but don't let it interfere with what you want to do.


Yes and no. If the pain gets in the way of living life, you need to address it. My experience affected my day to day life. Not sleeping, constant pain, etc. That is not something you can ignore.
2015-02-19 7:05 AM
in reply to: hessma

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
Yeah, I was diagnosed with DDD in my lower back when I was in my mid-30's when I was relatively symptom free. I am now almost 61 and although I have had symptoms in recent years, probably more due to osteoporosis, I have continued to participate and triathlons and long distance running. I am not saying I don't have some pain and very seldom weird numbness, but honestly think this is more of a function of arthritis that has set up in that location. All that said, you definitely want a diagnosis and recommendations from a sports medicine doctor. But, this doesn't necessarily have to interfere with your athletic goals.
2015-02-19 12:25 PM
in reply to: hessma

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
Originally posted by hessma
Originally posted by AdventureBearif you did xrays of a group of 100 adults, I'd wager that mroe than half would have the same xray findings. Don't worry about it. good to know but don't let it interfere with what you want to do.
Yes and no. If the pain gets in the way of living life, you need to address it. My experience affected my day to day life. Not sleeping, constant pain, etc. That is not something you can ignore.

true that pain may be an issue. It's typically what leads to the series of diagnostic tests ie X-rays, MRIs etc. Interventions such as steroid injections can help (sounds like that was your experience) but so can lifestyle modifications. For the OP, a few things worth trying if the physician hasn't already recommended: lighten up the weight of the shoulder bag/purse or briefcase, correct the ergonomics for work station/computer - --and your car if driving extensively, change pillows, replace sagging mattresses, work on posture - a PT can help with this.

2015-02-20 2:59 PM
in reply to: kcarroll

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Subject: RE: Degenerative disc disease?
Originally posted by kcarroll

Originally posted by hessma
Originally posted by AdventureBearif you did xrays of a group of 100 adults, I'd wager that mroe than half would have the same xray findings. Don't worry about it. good to know but don't let it interfere with what you want to do.
Yes and no. If the pain gets in the way of living life, you need to address it. My experience affected my day to day life. Not sleeping, constant pain, etc. That is not something you can ignore.

true that pain may be an issue. It's typically what leads to the series of diagnostic tests ie X-rays, MRIs etc. Interventions such as steroid injections can help (sounds like that was your experience) but so can lifestyle modifications. For the OP, a few things worth trying if the physician hasn't already recommended: lighten up the weight of the shoulder bag/purse or briefcase, correct the ergonomics for work station/computer - --and your car if driving extensively, change pillows, replace sagging mattresses, work on posture - a PT can help with this.



That's good advice and something I should have mentioned. I switched to a stand up desk out of necessity, but since I have recovered, I've continued to use it. It was a great purchase and helped.
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