I started to experience chronic low back pain in my early 20’s. In my 30’s it got worse, my lowest 3 lumbar discs were bulging. I was told it was due to weight gain and embarked upon starvation until I was a “normal BMI”.

At this point, after years of continued disordered eating and over exercise, my lowest disc ruptured. I kept asking why this was happening. Yes, disc degeneration comes for everyone if you are lucky enough to get old. It generally shouldn’t start at 30.

There was some thought that it was hereditary. My maternal grandfather experienced degeneration of his vertebral discs and ultimately had a spinal fusion to stabilize his spine.

It turns out early degeneration of the discs is one of the signs hypermobility disorders! Wonky collagen affects all kinds sorts of body parts!

I’ve been reading “Disjointed | Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders” edited by Diana Jovin and it’s been great. It’s helping understand just how long I’ve been dealing with things.

#Disjointed #EDS #HSD #HypermobilityDisorders