Degenerative Disc Disease

[livingwith]

I am a 27 yr old F. I have a family history of DDD. I have not been diagnosed by a Health care provider as of yet, But I am pretty sure I have DDD. I suffer from severe migraines(headaches, especially if My neck pops. I try to avoid that as much as possible), lower back hurts shortly after sitting or standing… sometimes I feel like I can’t even stand up straight. I have tried all the things ppl tell me to try… Nothing really works. I have learned to live with the pain from the ...Read the full article

[regant]

I am in late 40's, slightly overweight, and have had chronic back pain and headaches and irregular migraine attacks for as long as I can remember. In my teenage years I did and taught Gymnastics. Have had blood tests for arthritis about every 5 years (negative), had brain scans ("nothing unusual"), seen various ortho specialists ("nothing to worry about"). Told "lose weight, exercise more. Take more pain-killers."
I have trouble walking now, as my ankles feel smashed and my legs feel set in concrete. Getting up first thing in the morning and putting weight on my feet is painful. I used to be able to walk 1km to the beach and return 5 years ago, and now can barely make it to the front gate. If I push nyself (taking lots of breaks just standing still) I can do it, but by the time I have reached 1 klm I cannot lift my feet, nor feel my toes at all. Now my hands are going the same way with painful spasms and numb fingertips.
Enough!
Latest CT Scan of Cervical spine now shows "Moderate to advanced OA change of most of the facet joints. Mild to moderate OA change of the atlantoaxial joint space. Central disc protrusion at C5/6 abutting the anterior cervical cord without obvious evidence of nerve root compression. Central disc and osteophyte complex at C6/7 pressing on the anterior cervical cord. There is relative adequate foraminal patency throughout."
MRI of Lumbar states "Early changes of lumbar spondylosis. Minor disc disease is also seen throughout lumbar spine. Mild canal stenosis from L3/4 - L5/S1."
So, the Neurosurgeon looks at these reports and says "Nothing too bad" and has now sent me off to have the MRI redone at another hospital: of the brain and whole spine.
It is lucky (?) I work at a computer and can maintain my full-time job. Because I can't walk far I have put on weight (almost 90Kg and 163cm tall). Am frustrated at the lack of medical concern, and dread getting older.
Does it take this long for everyone to be diagnosed??