Try drinking Aloe Vera gel or juice. I participated in several competitive sports as a kid then through school. Did a lot of damage to my knees and lesser degree to neck, shoulders and hands. I started drinking a shot glass a day with juice in the late 70’s and my knees are better today than in my 20’s.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/31859...

I have plate C4 5,6 went through front of my neck . Arthritis and was compressing my spine . Surgery was not bad at all. Recovery time is not bad. It sounds worse than it is .

Wow. I was diagnosed also with severe degenerative disc disease C5-C7. Reading the posts and the term cages I have never heard that term before. Is that the same as a plate to fuse multiple discs together? I did physical therapy for a few months last year to take care of the nerve issues in neck, shoulders, arms and hands. But it's back again just in the neck and shoulders. Cold weather is not kind to joints. Also I play a lot of Golf and I guess that isn't kind as well. I also have disc issues in Thoracic and Lumbar area's. Guess I will play as long as I can. Really trying to avoid surgery and have been using Lidocaine 5% patches with moderate pain and heating pad when it really flares up versus lidocaine patches. Take care DeeDee

My arthritis was degenerative, also. My knees were both replaced. I still have pain but the pain did improve. Unfortunately, about 5 years ago, I had a bad fall. That ended with me in a wheelchair, forever, I think. I recovered enough to be able to stand, but not to walk. Being able to stand gives me the independence to live alone. I am thankful for that. Being able to stand, enables me to take care of my needs and I do live happily alone. Since my husband died, he was the only one I would choose to live with. I have 2 adult sons. I love them dearly, but have no desire to live with them. I just know we would get on each other’s nerves.
By the way, I finally quit having falls when I could no longer walk. There has to be something good that came out of that fall. I will always miss my husband and do love my sons beyond belief, but I am happy living alone and happiness is all that matters. There are many people in this world who are not happy with how they are living. I am happy, satisfied, with my life. I don’t have much, some people would think, but what I have, satisfies me. If you can get that out of life, you are doing okay. The rest is up to you.

Hi Dee,
I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and mild scoliosis. Since I was in my late teens……19 years old. Even before I had my kids.
Weight loss does help some, but back and leg exercises are important to strengthen.
Take good care ✌🏻😊💗
Sue