I was recently diagnosed with DDD as a result of a herniated disc in my lower back that occurred about 6 years ago. It was exasperated by a deadlift injury from December 2011. The doc says the damaged tissue is 50% degenerated at this point and looks like an over-used 40 yr old's back (I'm 30). Ever since then I can't remember a single day I haven't gone without pain. It's put one hell of a damper on getting PRs in any lift, especially deads and squats.

I've tried acupuncture, deep tissue massage, physical therapy, etc. and I've obviously heavily modified my training such that I don't do heavy squats or deadlifts anymore. I'm currently on a heavily modified DC training routine, which obviously isn't powerlifting specific, but the liberal use of machines has helped me maintain size and strength without crippling myself.

I'm curious to know if there's any other PLers that are dealing with a similar situation. What have you used to reduce the pain and get back on with the heavy lifts? Have you been able to compete with the injury?