Rod, thanks for the explanation. That is the first time I heard the word "cartilage" equated to it, and that helps me understand a whole lot better. (Why can't the doctor say those words?)
Then it must be like a torn meniscus in the knee, which is the cartilage, too (correct me if I am wrong). The doctor DID say the same thing as you, "has no blood supply so it can't repair."
Since I am not one to go for the rest and disuse path, I guess I'll opt for surgery. ...maybe in the spring.
But then, all the surgery can do is cut away and smooth the torn material, right? And if enough is torn, they remove the entire part, right? Which leaves a painful bone-to-bone contact??
Crimony! How does simply reaching and lifting cause the cartilage to tear?
