[kristyO]

#6943

Im 32 and have been having back pain since I was 12 and neck pain for about the last 10 years. I cant even stand up straight when I get off the couch or when I get out of bed, it takes me a while.. Also I become “hunched” sometimes throughout the day. I have constant back pain! Im always having to pop my back for relief by bending backwards and have done this for years!! My Neck feels like a have a ton of bricks sitting on the very top part of my back and when I turn my head it feels like I am being pinched by someone on both my right and left side and the top of my back!

I went to my local doctor which I was not very happy with because there was a huge language barrier but this is what he told me:

He said I have;

Multilevel degenerative changes lumbar and cervical spince and L5 Spondylolysis

What is the difference between degenerative changes and degenerative disk disease?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#6959

Your history is typical for your lower back pain. Pars fractures that cause spondylolisthesis normally occur between the ages of 8 and 15 (see website for further explanation). Pain in the lower back is not unusual for this disorder.

Your neck pain is a different story. You apparently have multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease (pretty much the same as “degenerative changes”). This can cause local neck pain and stiffness. The facets can also cause neck pain and stiffness (see anatomy of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease and degenerative facet disease also on the website).

Hopefully, your doctor has started you on a rehab program and has suggested various medications to help. Chiropractic care could also be considered for treatment for your neck.

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

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