What can we do to make this better

[sunset1968]

My boyfriend had hurt his back, his primary doc sent him to a pain spec. This doc ordered an mri.  The following are the results of the mri.      Impression: Multilevel degenerative disc disease.
L2-3 central to left paracentral disc herniation of extrusion type likely impinging upon the left L3 nerve root within the lateral recess.      L3-4 annular tear with noncompressive central disc herniation of protrusion type.  L4-5 annular tear with noncompressive central/right paracentral disc herniation of protrusion type.      L5_S1 annular tear with noncompressive central disc herniation of the extrusion type and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.  

The doc. wants to do an injection and says if this does not take care of the problem for 6 months that he is going to refer him to a surgon. that is the only other option.  
There is a history of lower back pain but this is the most recent and the worst.  

Is this the best route to go?  and what does all this mean now and in the future.  He is only 37yrs old, and in good health until now.  This report sounds bad to us and the doc dosn't think that the injection will help but wants to try it.  Please help us..  

[mike1105]

believe it or not his injury may have been muscular--- proper deep tissue trigger point relief with the appropriate stretching may bring him back to normal. when a musclde in the back is overstressed and injured, other muscles kick in and also go into spasm to compensate. just becasue there are findings on his MRI does not mean these findings are the casue of pain. I think the forum doc will agree that MOST people in therir 30s will have similar (if not worse) findings that do not require any attention at all, especially surgical. Along these lines it is quite possible if not probable (considering pain is his only symptom--ie no weakness or numbness) that these herniations and annular tears were there before his injury. the worst thing you can do is allow a doctor to operate on pain. there is nothing in this MRI report that jumps out and says "operate". i'd try proper stretching and trigger point relief (try having him heat, then lay on a tennis ball or base ball or even a softball if he can take the discomfort) on the sore muscle 3-4 minutes at a time, and then stretch it then ice it. do this for a few weeks a few times per day. this is what worked for me-- and no i am not a neurologist just a dentist who went thru the same stuff for 2+ years. It's called myofascial pain. By no means is this a medical opinion or diagnosis or treatment plan. just a suggestion. you should check w your doctor first.