Thread: Can you help interpret my MRI of the Lumbar Spine?
View Single Post
Old 06-14-2010, 05:09 PM
Leesa's Avatar
Leesa Leesa is offline
Senior Member
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,424
10 yr Member
Leesa Leesa is offline
Senior Member
Leesa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,424
10 yr Member
Default
Hi Jenny ~ Pretty much what the other poster said, except you do have a disc protrusion (bulge) at L5-S1, and that can hurt. It's not a herniation yet.

The annular tear can HURT. That fluid is kind of acidic I guess and it is painful. How much it is leaking, it doesn't say.

This isn't an emergency, and I doubt if anyone would operate. I think if I were you, I'd ask for a referral to a pain management specialist and take your report with you so he knows what you have. At pain management, there are alot of conservative options for pain relief. You do NOT want surgery if you don't have to. That should ALWAYS be a last resort!!! You are NEVER the same after surgery, and surgery almost always leads to more and more surgery. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee
__________________
recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability.



Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live..
.................................................. ...............Orestes
Leesa is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote