Should I have surgery

[crazylisa]

I have been dealing with this for 13 years I am over the constant pain and pain meds...this is my current mri findings any and all advise is welcome. I have tried all Conservative procedures and am scheduled for another epidural soon. I am 43 years old and have a 2 year old son. This is affecting my daily living and I have grow tiered of IT!!!!

Mri Findings 4/11/13
EXAM: MRI Lumbar Spine WO Contrast

Contrast: none
TECHNIQUE: Imaging was performed using the 1.5 Tesla GE Signa HDx MRI scanner. T1 FLAIR and T2 weighted sagittal images of the lumbar spine were obtained as well as T1 and T2-weighted axial images through the T12-L1 through L2-3 interspaces, angled to be parallel to these disks, and from L3-4 through L5-S1, angled to be parallel to the L4-5 disk. No intravenous or intrathecal contrast was administered.

FINDINGS:
There is mild straightening of the L5-S1 disk. AP diameter of the dural sac measures 10.2 mm at midline. The intervertebral foramen are patent.

Small central disk herniation is noted at L4-5. AP diameter of the dural sac measures 9.9 mm at midline. Intervertebral foramen are patent.

There is minimal broad-based disk bulging at L3-4. AP diameter of the dural sac measures 11.3 mm at midline. Intervertebral foramen are patent.

Minimal broad-based disk bulging is noted at L2-3. AP diameter of the dural sac measures 12.1 mm at midline. Intervertebral foramen are patent.

Minimal disk bulging is noted at L1-2. AP diameter of the dural sac measures 13.3 mm at midline. Intervertebral foramen are patent.

Negative for intradural lesion. Normal signal is noted in vertebral bodies.

IMPRESSION:
Small central disk herniation at L4-5.

thank you!

[crazylisa]

Thank you for your input!!  I had a total hystorectamy in 2009 so the other is not an issue. My left leg pain has gotten very bad with this last episode of my back (going out) as we say... that is what prompted this MRI. I was thinking of looking into the laser spinal out patient procedures? I just do not want to live in pain and not be able to play with my son.... I have a high tolerances to pain but this is getting very old. I do not want surgery in any means but I want a solution that is going to give me the best quality of life for me and my family. :) thank you again for your input.

Lisa

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If the foramina are patent, then there is less chance of spinal nerve compression. Usually conservative treatments like NSAIDs, epidurals, corsets, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy help. You and your doctor have to find the right mix and match. If nothing works then surgery is the only option. However, there is no guarantee that the pain will go away. Also, you need to find out whether other conditions such as ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease etc could also be the cause of pain. Do discuss this with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.