[navajo]

I am a 34 year old male from Northern Ireland. I've been off work for three months due to back pain / sciatica and have just received the results of my MRI scan. They read as follows:

"There is a degeneration of the L5 /S1 disc with minor endplate irregularity and with Type 1 endplate change. The remaining lumbar discs appear well hydrated.

Axial scans were performed through the lower four lumbar discs.
At the L2/3 level there is no significant disc pathology or nerve root compromise.

At the L3/4 level there is no significant disc pathology or nerve root compromise.

At the L4/5 level there is minimal bulging of annulus without nerve root compromise.

At the L5/S1 level there is mild broadbased bulging of disc which effaces the anterior epidural fat and abuts against the theca and both S1 nerve roots, more so on the left. There is atrophy of the multifidus muscles. There is no evidence of central spinal stenosis.

CONCLUSION: There is broadbased bulging of the L5/S1 disc that is compromising the left S1 nerve root. There is no convincing compromise of the left L5 nerve root. "

I'm quite worried about these results as it says the disc is degenerating which means it will only get worse?
Im constantly in a degree of pain which prevents me from sitting down for any long period of time, walking is also painful. I seem to get some ease by being on all fours.

Can anyone tell what treatment i might receive and if i may make any kind of satisfactory recovery. I've been told about spinal injections but dont know much about that.
I've also been told that the disc might be removed. Again, im not sure how this would affect my mobility.

Id appreciate any answers anyone out there may have as im a bit confused and somewhat distressed as to my next step.

Thanks in anticipation

Ali