Concerned about MRI Lumbar Spine

[Kikko]

I have severe pain mostly while standing, and not as bad when I am walking. Sitting is the only pain relief I get.  Even laying on my back at night causes the pain.  Had MRI of L-spine.  It showed Moderate central canal stenosis present at L4-L5 secondary to heterotopic bone formation and facet hypertropic change. Bulging annulus is present at L2, L3, L4, L5 with effacement of ventral subarachnoid sac. Moderate spondylolisthesis of L4-L5.  My doctor is a spine reconstruction specialist and also noted what he thinks is a ganglion mass at L5 that was not picked up by the radiologist.  He has suggested surgery, but I wanted to try conservative method first.  Had the Epidurals with no good results. My question is:  Is there enough reason above to warrant surgery?  Do you think surgery could releive some of the pain? I know it is very difficult to diagnos without actually veiwing the MRI, but just a general type answer would be appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

It is true that it is hard for me to give an opinion without seeing the MRI. It seems like your symptoms are consistent with lumbar spinal stenosis. there does not seem to be any impending cord compression (problems urinating or spasticity in the legs) or nerve root compression (pain/tingling or weakness radiating down one or both legs). Surgery for this reason alone is controversial and conservative management is usually reccomended for as long as possible unless there is severe intractable pain. The ganglion mass is probably asymptomatic although I cannot confirm this and surgical excision of these masses is also controverial as they can just fill back up and surgery to remove the whole mass can be messy/tricky. Surgery may or may not releive the pain, there is no garauntee.

Goo dluck

[Kikko]

I forgot to mention that I am 65 yrs. old.  I know my age is important, as arthritis does set in as we age! Thanks again.

[Citizen T]

Sorry this isn't realated to this post but does anyone know why no one has been able to posted in the last 3 days?

[spock]

I wished I knew. I found this forum yesterday and I feel like someone can give me some guidance that I deperately need.

[Christie2004]

If some clicks on Post a Question, and then doesn't ask the question, that chance is lost.  There are only 2 slots for new questions a day.

[disabledcoastie]

I hope that you have since found relief for your symptoms.  I experience leg tingling, weakness, and I have lost most of my reflexes in both legs.  My trouble is that I have nerve damage and am being told there is nothing that can be done now.  I have had two back surgeries, the last one in 2002 and now the scar tissue is building up to the point that the remaining good nerves are being compressed and the facet joints are fusing together.  I originally had an L4-S1 fusion, now I'm fused from L3-S1 in the facet joints. Good luck in getting your symptoms relieved.

[Kikko]

Hi, sorry to hear of your problems and that 2 back surgeries have not helped your problem.  I have done all the conservative things s/a epidurals, PT, etc.  nothing has helped the pain. I cannot stand for more than 5 minutes, even laying down in bed causes pain. Only relief is sitting, and even that starts to bother me after awhile.  So, I have finally opted for the surgery. It will be a L4-5 and L5-S1 fusion with the possible removal of the mass, depending if it is causing pressure.
  I sure hope my surgery will be sucessful.   WHat type of back surgery did you have?
Wishing you Happy Holidays.   Kikko