Judith Ross
I have the same thing. Have had surgery which didn't help at all. Have seem about 10 different doctors. Never has anyone mentioned that the spongy stuff would shrivel. I am told that nothing else can be done to repair it. Am taking Vioxx for inflammation, Ultram for pain, and physical therapy. The physical therapy didn't help--now I'm trying aqua therapy to relieve stiffness. It's osteoarthritis (degenerating disk disease) and there is no cure. Good luck! I feel for you.