Help, many Back Problems

[Tiffany0077]

Thank you all for answering my Question.
L5/s1 - retrolisthesis of of L5 on s1, diffuse bulging of the disc with osteophyte  on left side.bugling of disc, inferior aspect left neural foramen, below left L5 nerve.
L4/5 - degenerative change disc which is diffusely bugling. 2 to 3 mm of retrolisthesis of L4/L5.tiny left lateral annular tear, left neural foramen.
L3/4 - prominant degenerative change of disc. Severe discogenic endplate signal change to disc in L3/L4. Very mild stenosis. Bugling disc, neural foramina.
L2/3 - mild bulging disc, left
L1/2mild diffuse bulging disc the thecal sac.
T12/L1 - mild bulging, moderate degenerative change, facet joints/
T11/12 - diffuse bulging disc. small right paracentral/posterolateral disc protusion, associated osteophyte, anterior aspect of the thecal sac. prominant fatty discogenic endplate.
T10/11 - central disc bulging.
sagittal images, 9mm preineural cyst at the S2/3 level on left, likely off the left S3 or S4 nerve root sleeve.
Also have mild fibromylgia.
The pain i experience is a 10 plus. Had 1 , 6 needles injected in spine (Maracaine 0.05, with depo-medro.  Have 2 more appts with needles to go.

I need help, am I doing the right thing and any suggestions would be greatly appreicated.

Thank you.

Tiffany

[Teck]

Well, you and I are the same age - YOUNG!! ha ha.  It sounds to me like you need to see a neurosurgeon.  Sometimes the epidural injections (needles) takes a few times to work, but with all the areas you are having problems with, how do they determine which one to treat?  Although the Rheumatologist may be able to help with arthritis, maybe the neurosurgeon can help with the bulging disc issues.  It is worth a try anyway.  Since you are seeing a Rheumatologist, does that mean you have other problems with arthitis?  

I hope you can find relief.  Pain is no fun, debilitating at times.  It seems we have a lot in common.  I too love to dance, not able to do that anymore either.  Well, good luck and keep in touch.

[Tiffany0077]

I am 48 yrs old. Regular Doctor and a Rhemotolgist. Pain Specialist has done the needles 1 time. So far, the needles have done nothing. I was a dancer till 2yrs ago, then thats when I started to notice back pain, about 6 months after I stopped dancing. 2 doctors told me I have the back of an 80 yr old....??? I'm trying to figure all this out.

Thank you.

tiffany

[Teck]

May I ask, how old are you?  What specialist do you go to, neuro or orthopedic?  Did you have some kind of accident to have so many vertebrae in such bad shape?  It does sound like you would be in a lot of pain.  Do you think the epidurals (needles) are working for you?  Have you gotten a second opinion?  I definitely would get another opinion.  The other thing I would do is find a book about back pain from a Dr. Sarno. I think you would benefit from reading it.  That is the only suggestion I have at this point.  Good luck.  I will keep track of you on this forum.  Hope you get some good advise from other people too.