...to this wonderful resource to get help from you anyone who can help with DDD. My story is a long sad tale of not understanding what to focus on, not understanding the big picture and finally not knowing what to do.

I started with a severe lumbar damaged disk at L3-4 in about 1974 which reconciled itself (temporarily ), referred pain between the solder blade and spine on the left side that started in 2000 which I had neck surgery for in 2005. And today I have been having pain from both of these along with some sort of swelling and pain in the C7-T1 area. Sciatica again in both legs and chronic pain between the shoulder and the spine. What the heck is going on here?

I do not have any resources to turn to to understand DDD. Is there a genetic component to this? Is there a common link found in spinal problems like this? What tests are available to us to look at the root causes or underlying issues that lead to DDD.

I noticed anecdotally that there are more of us with neck issues than used to be the case so is there something physical that would be contributing to this. I am a proponent of the spine as a system and not fragmented isolated parts but if the problem is environmental then what?

Anyway I am a true believer in knowledge is power. Without understanding what is going on you can't manage expectations or make informed decisions about treatments.

So thank you any and all for being here!

All input is welcome. I just need some guidance to get going on this journey again. I keep thinking there should be something better to do with my free time but...