Originally Posted by itsback

Hi, I am new here and get really use your help. Maybe some of you have found yourself in a similar situation.
I think first, I would like to post the MRI report for my lumbar spine prepared by the Radiologist, as well as the findings from the EMG/NCS. I would like to get your opinions on these reports and then I will tell you what has been going on with the so called experts who can't seem to agree.

MRI report:
Clinical Indication: Disc herniation, sciatica.

Findings: The lumbar alignment is normal. There is no spondylotisthesis or vertebral body subluxation. There is anterior wedging og the L1 vertebral body with approximately 25% vertebral body height loss with discontinuity of the superior endplate. No surrounding edema is seen. Findings are consistent with an old vertebral body compression fracture. There are tiny anterior osteophytes throughout the lumbar spine. There is degenerative disc desiccation at the T12-L1 and L5-S1 levels. There is also intervertebral disc space narrowing at these levels. The remainder of the discs and disc heights are normal. There is facet arthropathy throughout the lumbar spine, most prominent in the lower lumbar region.
At the T12-L1 Leve, there is a 1mm broad-based disc bulge with ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy without spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis.
At the L1-L2 level, there is a 1mm circumferential disc bulge with facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum thickening without spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis.
At the L2-L3 level, there is no disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, or neural foraminal stenosis.
At the L3-L4 level, there is a 1 mm circumferential disc bulge with ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy. There is no spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis.
At the L4-L5 level, there is no disc herniation. However, there is facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum thickening without spinal canal stenosis. There is minimal right and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.
At the L5-S1 level, there is a 4mm broad-based disc bulge in the right foraminal region ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy. There is no spinal canal stenosis. However, there is moderate right neural foraminal stenosis. Mass effect on the exiting right L5 nerve root is seen. There is mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

The conus medullaris terminates at the L1 level. There is mild atrophy of the distal paraspinal muscles.

Impression:
1. Chronic L1 vertebral body compression fracture with approximately 25% height loss.
2 Mild to moderate degenerative disc disease, worse at the L5-S1 level as above.
3. L5-S1: 4mm broad-based disc bulge in the right foraminal region ligamentum flavum thickening and facet arthropathy. There is no spinal canal stenosis. However, there is moderate right neural foraminal stenosis. Mass effect on the exiting right L5 nerve root is seen. There is mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

EMG/Nerve Conduction Study
Tender over lumbar PSM at L4/5 and L5/S1 bilaterally. Limited lumbar AROM. Tender over buttock and greater trochanter bilaterally.

Neurological:
REFLEXES; Deep tendon reflexes depressed at knee and ankle symmetrically
SENSATION: Decreased sensation to pinprick at L4, L5, and S1 dermatomes
GAIT/STATION: Antalgic gait
RIGHT LOWER EXTREM: Muscle strength of the major groups is 4/5
LEFT LOWER EXTREM: Muscle strength of the major groups is 4/5
SPECIAL TESTS: PSLR bilaterally

I am a 59 year old female who works full time. I look forward to hearing your take on these reports. Then I will share with you what the specialist have had to say and hopefully get some advise. Thanks for your help!