“Degnerative Disk Disease & Fibromyalgia??”

Hi there, first of all thank you for sharing details of your story. That is a lot you are going through! I'm sorry to hear that it's been such a rough journey so far. Let me see if I can give you some insight that might help you. There are aspects of the spine that can have a direct and indirect influence on what you are experiencing. For example, the thyroid and parathyroid get their nerve supply from the cervical spine. If there is a problem there that is irritating the nerves, like herniations and arthritic changes as well as a lack of motion, then it is plausible that the nerves exiting that area are going to have altered performance. Additionally, new data and research shows that when we make a chiropractic adjustment, we positively influence the little tiny sensory muscle spindles that connect our spine. That's a huge deal because those tiny muscles actually have been shown to have a direct effect on brain activity, specifically in the frontal cortex (!!). That helps the brain accurately perceive its environment and then provide a more accurate response. Going back to disc degeneration, we know that degeneration is not due to the age of a person because, as in your case, you are too young to have degeneration!! That being said, I've seen degeneration on an x ray of a teen. Degeneration when it comes to the spine is not actually due to age of a person, but then due to age of a problem that's been there that we may not know of. The latest research on spine and degeneration models show that the first thing that happens is-- lack of motion, often due to trauma. Whether that trauma is big or small, it can be just enough to create fixation that hinders are normal mobility in that joint. Contrary to popular belief, discs are not shock absorbers, they are meant for allowing movement and they get their nutrients from motion. So if they are not moving, they aren't getting nutrients, slowly dehydrating, and instead of the movement absorbing shock, the disc an joint are. It would be like if you jumped and landed without bending your knees. the bending motion absorbs the shock... but if you can't bend your knees, then the knee joint will absorb all that shock from the jump and it would undergo the same degenerative process. Another thing that happens when a joint gets stuck is that muscles have to work extra hard to try to get the same range of motion. This typically works out fine in the short term, but in the long term they can fatigue. That might indirectly be contributing to or aggravating the fibromyalgia type things and fatigue you might be feeling. Again this is all just assumption because I haven't fully examined you or anything, but I think just based on what I hear, it might be worthwhile to go to a chiropractor. I would look for someone who does Gonstead Technique specifically, because the Gonstead technique is centered around improving the health and integrity of the disc. I'm sure there are other techniques that are helpful for that too, but it's what I do, and I love the technique and my fellow Gonstead practitioners. Either way, just know that a well-placed, specific adjustment can do wonders neurologically, and structurally to ease stress. And when in doubt, keep moving!

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your health. It sounds like you have a complex set of conditions, and navigating through them can be overwhelming.

I wouldn't say that everything is coorelated persay. decreased parotid gland function is not something I would link to DDD, hypoparathyroidism (is actually not rare, it's rather common), Your calcium levels could be lower due to your hypoparathyroidism though.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) and cervical spondylosis are indeed terms that can be used to describe the wear and tear of the cervical spine, often involving facet osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and other related changes. "Osteoarthritis" or just "arthritis" is a part of aging; however, it can be advanced depending on your lifestyle, history of injuries, genetics, etc.

Fibromyalgia can sometimes be diagnosed alongside other chronic pain conditions, and it’s characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas. However, it’s important to differentiate it from other potential causes of your symptoms, especially given your history of cervical issues and your current medications. The fact that your pain persists despite previous treatment raises valid concerns about the underlying causes of your symptoms. I am always leery of a fibromyalgia diagnosis as a lot of doctors use fibromyalgia as a "trashcan" diagnosis which basically says "I don't know, go away." The FM/A test is the only test out there for Fibromyalgia and is appropriate for your situation. It's essential to advocate for yourself and ensure all aspects of your health are considered as you navigate these complex conditions.

trouble being able to walk is a serious concern especially with pain that spreads from your arms down to the legs (this sounds like it could be le'hermittes sign). This could be coming from your brain or from something along the lines of a cervical myelopathy (when the spinal cord is pinched at the neck). I would recommend MRIs of your brain and cervical spine

You need extensive care, everything from metabolic detoxification protocols to lymphatic drainage. Along w nutritional supplements as well

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. Based on my experience Non-Surgical Decompression therapy "Traction therapy" would be best for your case.

Degenerative disc desease is challenging, if you are not happy with your doctor find another for a second opinion. You disease is better treatment with medical doctors instead of chiropractors.

Yes everything is connected. If you work on dampening the Fibromyalgia the overall pain and fatigue will improve. Find someone who specializes in functional medicine for the Fibromyalgia.

Sorry to hear that! Go to a chiropractor, it will help most likely a lot! Pain down arms and legs is not a good sign. This is radicular pain. Chiro adjustments can help with herniation, ask about decompression too and will probably get rid of radicular pain. Use ice on neck and low back 20 min on and one hour off until you see Chiropractor. Do not put heat on pain, heat will attract more inflammation and make it worse, just feels better but the ice will put out your fires!!! Good luck.

Hello,
Best to be evaluated by a chiropractor to assess and determine proper care.

First off, I am so sorry to hear that you have been dealing with such pain for so long. I know it can be incredibly frustrating to not have answers or to see any pain relief after such a diagnosis. Degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the spine can certainly cause all sorts of issues and pain. However, I would have to do an in-person examination to be able to fully answer your questions. If you are in Colorado, I would love to see you in my clinic so that I may hopefully be able to provide you the answers and pain relief that you deserve.