Hi, and welcome

This is a great community for caring people.

I'm sorry you're having these problems.

You know, DDD is bad. It is a progressive disease.

Conservative treatments are many. There's no magic. What works for one may not work the same for another. It makes it hard to get help. And another problem with "getting help," it takes time to see if something is going to work for you. I adpoted the "positive" or "negative" effect of trying something. It held pretty true to its meaning.

Surgery is permanent. Good, bad, or less desirable results are going to happen. Many variables cause these results. If you do surgery, of course we all want you to have to the best results possible. Just dont' rush into it. I know it's bad, but there's no guarantees. And just another thought... you have to let the experts tell you what you need for "your problem." I know we know our own bodies, but you have to let the surgeon do what he thinks needs to be done.

It will be bad going through surgery, but you will get through it. One day at a time.

You, your family and health care providers, and there are many, will have to help you get the best possible care they can give.

Keep asking questions. You may find yoga, stretches, correcting bad posture, better sleep somehow, meditation, and water helpful things for now. These could be good to do for everyone.

We're here for you.