Need help decyphering this, currently in pain management , initially for neuropathy but now back issues are worse this is the most current MRI report, had injections in T1/T2 2 weeks ago and did nothing currently taking Opana, vicodin for breakthru, cymbalta and klonopin for restless legs but still in pain with lower back, feet big time thighs and calves.

MRI results:
Central and left paracentral disc herniation with craniad extrusion of disc material at L1/L2 causing left lateral recess and neural foraminal stenosis.

Diffuse disc protrusion and central herniation at L5/S1with bilateral formainal stenosis. Extensive disc space narrowing, degeneneration and modic Type 2 degenerative end plate changes at L5/S1.

Multilevel disc desication, degeneration and mild diffuse bulges without foraminal stenosis.

Overall, there has been progression of the degenerative process when compared to 2005 MRI.

Any responses greatly appreciated.

Cathy

bump, sorry it disappeared shortly after i wrote it

I am having some problems with my lower back, degenerative disk disease at L3 -L5 with minima; multilevel lumbar spondylosis. I am new to this back stuff. My rheumatologist (for fibro) thinks its pinched nerves (sciatica) and said if it doesn't get better to call about getting a shot. Well I called today. My thigh pain is terrible, my lower back is now hurting and my hip, used to just hurt when I sit and drove, now hurts anytime, pains moving around etc.....I personally think I need to see a spinal doctor.. and now, where is he sending me? When we were talking about it last time he said he knows some people....would that be a pain specialist???? I left a message, didn't hear back yet. He is very nice, my neck is hurting too but my neck mri didn't sound bad, now my neuro is doing EMG and nerve conduction is my arms next week cause I had a horrible arm, left shoulder pain flare in Dec and now my arms are sooooooooo fatigued....like I have to stop while I am brushing my teeth on a really bad day! YUCK> Good luck I hope you get the help you need / The ultracet, Darvacet N 100 and zanaflex I get aren't helping much at all, its like if I take a full dose I just want to go to sleep. I thought morphine was supposed to be good for chronic pain well I am going to try to get something this isn't fair.

Hi,
I am not a doctor but will try to help with what I understand.......
You have a central herniation, that is also just a bit to the left of L1-2, which is encroaching on the nerves at that level on the left side. Part of the disc has broken off and is pushing on the nerves at that level.
You have another central herniation at L5-S1 which is bulging as well , resulting in it pinching the left and right nerve roots. You also have bone spurs at that level ( modic type 2 changes)
You have several levels where the discs are drying out and degenerating.
At the end of the report it says that there is ongoing degeneration since your last MRI.
I think that is basically it.
Hope this helps and if I made a mistake in anything, please remember that I did say that I am not a doctor.
Sandi

I certainly hope that you get the help you need. I did not see if you said they recommended surgery atleast in the neck. I know you you must be in alot of pain and hopefully you will get a competent doc who will not just push pills on you and actually make a recommendation that will resolve atleast some of your issues. Good Luck.