Degenerative discs

[pedro_831]

Im a 21 year old male who recently been diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis with L4-5 disc protusrion and L5-S1 extrusion.   I got this from a car accident back in early May.  The pain isnt always there, it just comes on and off just for like a slight 30 seconds and then goes away.

My MRI says:

At the L4-5, there is a broad disc protrusion eccentric to the right which indents the thecal sac and abuts the traversing right L5 nerve root.  Again, the neural foramina appear patent.

At the L5-S1 level, there is a broad disc extrusion which effaces the anterior epidural fat and nearly abuts the traversing S1 nerve roots.  Marginal osteophyte and facet arthropathy minimally encroach upon the neural foramina.

Some diminution in lumbar lordosis is noted, however, possibly due to muscle spasm.

With that being said can those discs heal completely and let me live without pain?
Will i be able to have sex with no pain? Im fairly young and dont want to be dealing with pain the rest of my life.

[pedro_831]

Do you think with this condition I will have pain the rest of my life?

Does alcohol, marijuana, or ecstasy affect my condition?

[caregiver222]

Unfortunately the discs usually never heal completely. You have a nerve that is being pinched intermittantly. I'm not telling you anything you probably haven't figured out.

You need to find a referral to a good physical rehab specialist and begin a series of rehabilitative exercises. You can't learn these exercises on the internet. Count on a dozen sessions. Whatever they charge will be worth it.

Ask your physician about prescribing a TENS device to control the pain.

Don't take muscle relaxants. They are inappropriate, reduce muscle tone, and cause more damage. Good hydration helps.

Surgery is an end-of-the line option. If you decide to go in this direction get a second opinion.