Hi! I've been experiencing continued low back pain despite steroids and physical therapy for several months.

Findings:

There is no marrow edema. There is disc desiccation at L5 through S1 without loss of intervertebral disc space height. The conus is located at T12-L1 and is unremarkable. Parasagittal STIR imaging demonstrates no ligamentous disruption and no paraspinous muscle edema.

At L5-S1 there is a minimal broad-based disc protrusion. There is minimal facet hypertrophy. There is no central canal stenosis and no neural foraminal narrowing.

At L4-5 there is a tiny annular tear. There is a minimal broad-based disc protrusion. There is a small amount of fluid in bilateral facet joints. The pedicles are somewhat short. There is no frank central canal stenosis and no neural foraminal narrowing.

T12 through L4 are unremarkable.

IMPRESSION:
1. Mild degenerative changes at L4 through S1
2. No central canal stenosis, no neural foraminal narrowing
3. There is a minimal amount of fluid in bilateral facet joints at L4-5. This can be symptomatic in and of itself.

So... there it is... I'd really like to know what that all means - and HOW SERIOUS IS IT? I'm in a LOT of pain right now... and I dont feel like my DR has taken me seriously... any suggestions? Should I see a specialist? If so... what kind?

THANKS SOOOO MUCH!!
Any info is appreciated!