I am going to agree with gator head. If a MRI says the words "SEVERE" that can often indicate a situation you need another opinion for. don't do any surgery until you get this second opinion. Narrowing of the cord, is what causes much of your leg pain. Make sure if you decide on invasive proceedures, that the verterbre above and below the site to be worked on, are strong enough for the hardware they will put in. This is something I did not question, and I wound up with a second unwanted, painful but fairly successful sugery. I do wish you all the best. You will find support no matter what direction you go in right here. ginnie

Thanks for the info and support. I really appreciate it. The word "severe" does freak me out a bit. I'm hoping physical therapy will help alleviate my pain, but I'm not too confident in that.

Do you guys think I should be worried about the arthropathy that is present in my L1-L5 discs?

The biggest" issue", are the ones that state Severe. However, if surgery gets to be the option you need, those verterbre need to be in good condition. So write this question down at the top of your list to ask the neurologist. Get details from him, let no question go unanswered. For the best results, and confidence, you need all the truth in detail, and real dicussion with your doctor. It will be OK, even if you have to have the surgery. None of it is fun, but a life in pain isn't either. I had a good outcome with my surgery, so I know for sure, that this is possible. I would hesitate on alot of PT at this point, until you get more information. Not all PT works for spinal issues. I did this, and it made my condition worse. If it hurts Stop. Ask your doctor OK?
Keep us posted. All of us who have had spinal fussions or back issues do care about you. Hope you have some good support there at home too. Keep us posted. ginnie

Ginnie, you're awesome. I will definitely make sure all of my questions are answered. I'm slowly working my way towards seeing a neurologist. Since I'm not flush with cash, I've been going to a low-income clinic for about a year, and they are just now referring me to someone who can help. It has sucked being in this much pain and seeing a doctor who thinks I'm either: 1) making up the pain to get pain medicine or 2) only dealing with some muscle tightness, but at least I'm headed to a pretty good hospital now.

I will be sure to keep you guys updated, but I probably won't get any new information for at least a few weeks.

I can't tell you how much you guys have helped me with your support and information. You guys are the best!

I just had a MRI done on Tuesday and the reason why I had that done was the bottom of my feet from the ball to my toes they feel like the fell asleep. I have to move my toes a lot just to start feeling them again. My lower back is in pain if I stand too long and then I feel like I'm about to collaspe. I have that much pain I get shooting pain into my hips and down to my knees. My results say something about mild disc dessication and degeneration at the L5-S1. Also it stated something about the L1-L11 L2-3 levels are unremarkable. It also had stated that my L3-4 level there is slight compromise of the lateral recess bilaterally with mild facet joint prominence. my L4-5 there is a diffuse annular bulge with slight ventral flatting of the thecal sac. And my results go on and on. I dont understand what that says except maybe I have a bulging disc. If anyone knows what this says I would be greatful.

Here's an update:

I saw a neurosurgeon today. He recommended a few weeks of physical therapy and a steroid injection. He said that if I wasn't feeling better after those few weeks, he would recommend surgery. It didn't sound like he was optimistic about me finding relief outside of surgery.

Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover physical therapy, so I'm trying to figure out what to do about that.

Hi, and I sure hope that I can help you. My son is an OPTA, does therapy of this kind. I could ask him about different excersises and therapy if you would like. He may be able to print some specifics out for you. I would be willing to ask him. I would not go to a chiropracter, unless your neurologist recommended it at this time. Steriod shots, well after all the trouble there has been, I am not sure about them at this point. They in any case are a temporary fix, and if there is a real issue with the back, they do not last long. I had Ketamine infusions which did OK for about 4 months each. I had surgery after that. Massage is also a good part of PT. If you can get massage, it is alot less expensive than PT. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Thanks, Ginnie. I would certainly appreciate your son's opinion on which exercises to do. I'm not too confident in the steroid injections, but I want to make sure I try conservative methods before resorting to surgery.