L4-L5 herniated disc– MRI Report, possible treatment options?
I have been having leg, groin, hip & lower back pain for 6 months now. I had an MRI on Tuesday and these are the results. I am in significant pain all day, every day. I did a 12 day course of prednisone, which ended up giving me oral thrush. I take Naproxen daily as well as Vicodin for the pain (which only makes it semi-tolorable.) If anyone has been in the same situation, what would my next step be from here? I am scheduled to start physical therapy next week and my mom suggested I get a referral for an appointment with a Neurosurgeon to get an epidural. Also, I would greatly appreciate some suggestions on how to deal with the lower back/ hip pain at work. I already have a pillow in my chair for support as well as a chair to prop my leg on.
Thank you!
Findings:
There are five lumbar vertebral segments. The proximal three lumbar and distal three thoracic discs and vertebral segments are normal in appearance. Mild degenerative changes of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs are noted with circumferential diffuse bulges of the annuli with small superimposed central non-extruded disc herniations. There is no disc space narrowing and no root sleeve effacement or central or foraminal stenosis at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels and no degenerative facet changes, spondylolisthesis is noted. No intradural, retroperitoneal, or paraspinal soft tissue abnormalities of significance is noted.
Impression:
Mild degenerative changes of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs with small superimposed central on-extruded disc herniations are noted without root sleeve effacement of spinal stenosis. The remainder of the examination is normal in appearance.
At this point, there is nothing on the MRI that specifically suggests that your problem cannot be helped with conservative care. I would highly recommend you see a PT who is certified in mechanical diagnosis and therapy. You can find one by using the therapist locator at http://www.mckenziemdt.org. Very often these problems are reversible.
I think you are safe. When the cord becomes unstable, like mine did surgery is a must. The surgeon told me they could actually move the spine. When a doctor tells you there is instability then you need to see a surgeon.
Mild changes aren’t much to worry about. But I could understand why you are worried.
I think PT is great so long as you rest and change positions.
first of all when you get your epidural especially the first one you have to go home and lay as flat as possible cuz if you dont youll get what they call a spinal canal headache which can be so painful youll have to go to the hospital. its a must you do pt. one of the worst things you can do is stay in one position to long, so get up and move every 90 to 120 mins. "There is no disc space narrowing and no root sleeve effacement or central or foraminal stenosis at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels and no degenerative facet changes. " Be very happy you dont have stenosis or anything messin with your facet joints as well as degenerative discs. i have herniations at L4 L5, L5 S1 with stenosis and degenerative discs and astio arthritis, ive had two back surgerys in the last 4 months anyways i know a lot about what they do to heal you and pt and pain meds as well as pain management doctors so if you have questions tell me and i can email you answers. this is only the start of back issues that youll have to adjust your life style to conform to your backs needs
i have suffered from lower back pain for a couple of years now and its getting worse. ive been off work now for 17 weeks because the pain is so bad. my xrays show (narrowing of the L4/5 disc space with some associated facet joint degeneration in the L4/5 and L5/S1). iam sick of taking medication (30/500 cocodamol) everyday . is there any surgical treatment that may cure or ease the pain? all this is realy starting to get me down.