I've seen my doctor. He minimized the MRI report and told me just to do the exercises in the McKenzie book he gave me and made an appt. for a 6 week followup. He mentioned an spinal epidural steroid shot for the future and gave me Mobic-15mg. But, somethings not right. Can you help me understand these findings from the Radiologist? My mom has DDD and has major back surgery. She was 60 at surgery, now she is 70, I'm 45. I handle health problems better if I have all the facts, including what the future may hold for me.

Findings:
There is mild spondylitic change and fatty degenerative endplate changes from L1-L2 to S1-S2. A high signal hemangioma of bone is noted within the body of L4.

L5-S1:There is diminished T2 signal within the intervertebral disc consistent with disc degeneration and desiccation. There is left foraminal disc protrusion extending into the left-sided neural foramen causing moderate left-sided neural foraminal stenosis with possible impingement upon the left L5 nerve root. No significant compromise of the spinal canal or rights-sided neural foramen.

The signal within the lower thoracic spinal cord is normal.

Impression
1. Disc desiccation with left foraminal protrusion at L5-S1 leading to monderate left-sided neural foraminal stenosis and probable compression of the left L5 nerve root.
2. Degenerative facet arthrosis more prominent on the left at L5-S1.
3. Well developed S1-S2 disc. correlation with plain films is necessary if surgery is planned.

Please help me understand all this in laymans terms. My left buttocks and entire left leg, including the back of my knee is in pain most of the time. It also feels numb, burning, tingly. Even the top of my left foot is swelling. It hurts most when I am up. I dare not go grocery shopping without taking an anti-inflamatory.
Thanks, Teacups

Your L5 S1 situation is very similar to mine. I avoided surgery by taking four months to heal. During that time I did a bunch of PT, myofascial release therapy, and most of all...rest. I was 40 at the time.

Even though I have had cervical surgery I am still surgery free at the lumbar. At 55 I have to be very careful how I move but I'm am very glad I never had low back surgery!
jb

Teacup,

I was told when the disc is protruding you need surgery. I had a disc like this and had a laminectomy at Hopkins two years ago.. You also have diminished cord signal which is not a good thing...so I would say that you will probably be offered some kind of surgery, eventually. You also have a hemangioma...I too was sent for McKenzie PT...McKenzie is not well thought of in some circles now..Depends who you talk to these days...If I were you I would find a good top doc..NSS or OSS and try to let them tell you what to do...I have permanent nerve damage...especially if you have swelling and trouble walking...PT is not a bad thing...but I would definitely see a NSS or OSS...Who gave you the book? I have trouble with any doc that gives you a book...Maybe he should keep it and read it...

Teacups, I know this is a very old post. I'm just writing to see how you made out. You sound a lot like me -wanting to know the facts.

I hope you are doing well - Mae