Is my Career Over

I am a wildland firefighter in Southern California. I have been doing this job for 17 years. I am 37 years old male.  I recently just had an MRI done of my whole back. I am suffering from Sciatica which occured when I was 21 yrs old. Just within the last year, the pain has increased  from 2 to about a 9. I am really concerned about what they found in my neck. It read as follows:

C5-C6 Mild disk-spacing narrowing. There is a broad-based right posterolateral disk protusion measuring 3mm in size causing mild effacement of the anterolateral aspect of the thecal sac. This does not extend directly into the neural foramen. Correlate with any clinical evidence of a right C6 radiculopathy".

C6-C7- Minimal diffused annular bulge is noted. No bulge or protrusion, or central canal, lateral recess, or neural foraminal stenosis.

Everything else in the C section was fine.

Also for my Lumbar MRI the "Conclusion" read:
1. Multilevel degenerative disk disease.
2. Rightward 5 to 5.5mm posterolateral disk protrusion at L5-S1
3. Circumferential annular fisure noted primarily posteriorly at L4-L5
4. Changes consistent with juvenile epiphysitis or Scheuermann disease.

So with that, I am afraid That this may be the end of my career. I do take it easy when I am on the fireline since I am the supervisor. I would also like to get an opinion on if surgery is an option without  fusion and could I become paralized from the problem in my neck. ThankYou kindly in Advance. Dave

[Ohnoma]

I have had great success with a chiropractor for the siatica. Looks like a mild disc bulge in the neck. As far as disc space narrowing, that unfortunately comes with age. You obviously have some issues, but before all the meds and tests, I would seriously consult a good chiropractor. I was in much worse shape at your age, I don't think your career is over. Keep a positive outlook, and don't get depressed over it. I think that is one of the worst enemies of back injuries. Many people fall into the "Amplified Pain Syndrome", when they dwell on it and become depressed. See that chiropractor.....and Good Luck.

[tanglewood]

I have issues in my Cervix; my right arm turns red/purple and gets real cold. I worry that I will lose the use of it, but my docs keep telling me I won't. If you're not having any symptoms other than the pain, I'd say you are in good shape for now. Maybe a cervical collar would help take the pressure off; I wear one sometimes. Fire fighting is a tough job. I'm sure it takes its toll on your neck. Maybe some PT would be helpful, too?

Good luck

[db80]

Ohnoma,tanglewood, Thanks for responding

Back In my early 20's I did see a Chiroprator and it helped a lot. I was pretty much pain free for about 10 years. My only concern is my neck. Should I be having a Chiroprator tweek my neck with a 3mm protrusion at my C-5-6?

[Ohnoma]

I am sure with some differential treatment, and some general therapy, he would probably tweek it for you. I have had adjustments with bulging discs. I think it is all up to the chiropractor.

[Ohnoma]

Watch what you say. Cervix is part of the uterus. Cervical is part of the spine. Similar words, but definitely not in the same place...I did get a chuckle....

[tanglewood]

Ha! Thanks. :) I wasn't thinking...
Maybe I should just say "neck"!