L5-S1 DISC PROTRUSION

  I had an MRI on SEP of 98, the results were degenerative disk disease at L5-S1 associated with a broad left paracentral disk protrusion minimally indenting the ventral epidural fat and minimally abutting the left S1 nerve root.  I have had many problems.  I have constant back pain. I also have sharp pains in left part of buttocks and back on leg.  I have also had numbness in my left foot. Can a MRI tell the doctors if I might have an annular tear?  I fear that something else might be wrong.  I have been getting worse, and everything they have been trying is not working.. Is there is tests beside an MRI or Bone Scan that might shed more light on the subject.  I am only 23 and in the U.S Army so this problem is greatly effecting my life////////////// PLEASE HELP ME........ ANDREW
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Dear Andrew,
The symptoms you describe are compatible with a disc which
is affecting the roots which make upthe sciatic nerve, the most common
place for these roots to be affected is around the L5/ S1 level of the
cord, while the MRI may say the impingemetn on the nerve root is minimal
the presence of numbness in your foot suggests significant nerve
compromise.
It would appear that the imaging study does not tell the full story here so
I would suggest that the next step should be an EMG, this should
prove the presence of compromise of the nerve roots and lead to more definitive therapy.

[spasm_s]

A related discussion, disc protrusion was started.

[Sunilkumar84]

A related discussion, back pain was started.