Mikel's Back

Just so you know, Red Robin's peach tea rules!!

Red Robin Yum!

So, we found out whats been causing all the pain in Mikel's back. He has what is called degenerative disc disease.

So, you like me may be wondering:

What is degenerative disc disease?

According to what i have read/researched. It sounds scarier than it actually is. Degenerative disc diesase is not turly a disease. it is a term doctors use to discribe normal changes in the discs in ones back.

What causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

As we get older our disc in our back degenerate or break down.  Most people do not get pain from this problem until their late thirties to forties.  This can be caused by injury or dehydration.

What causes the pain?

The pain is caused by either inflammation or abnormal micromotion instability. The disc degeneration can also cause pinched nerves.

What are the symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease?

• "The low back pain is generally made worse with sitting, since in the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded three times more than standing.
• Certain types of activity will usually worsen the low back pain, especially bending, lifting and twisting.
• Walking, and even running, may actually feel better than prolonged sitting or standing.
• Patients will generally feel better if they can change positions frequently, and lying down is usually the best position since this relieves stress on the disc space." (Copied from: spine-health.com)

What are the treatments for Degenerative disc disease?

The known treatments are anti-inflammatory medication, pain patches, epidurals and surgery. 

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Anyway, with that being said... I have no idea whether its something the Air Force will let Mikel deal with while still serving our country or if they will say he is not fit for duty and medically discharge him. We will find out come October... But October is a long way away! I don't know if they decide to discharge him whether we have like a week to get off base or a month or what? That's the scary part, not knowing what will be required of us. My hope is that if they discharge him and do not allow him to retrain, that they allow him to stay in until his enlistment is up and just don't let him reenlist and discharge him with disability pay..... but we shall see. We may have to fight for the disability pay. At least we still arent wondering whats wrong with his back. We finally got that answered. :D

Have a great Wed/Thursday!
Ang