MRI of Lumbar SPine

[aktorides]

Hi,
There is 4 days now i was diagnose with degenerative disc disease.At the L3-4 disk level there is a large posterior central and slightly left side disc prolapse compressing the left anterior aspect of the thecal sac and causing some posterior displacement of the left L4 descending nerve root within the thecal sac.There is some entrapement of the left L4 descending nerve root between th disc polapse and the lft L3-4 facet joint and the possibility of some compression should be considered.
Some pain in the knee and back pain should be considered also.
I was advised for an immidiate surgery but the thing is that Iam getting better since yesterday.
I havent seen an orthopologist yet.My only contact was with neurosurgeon doctor.

Please advice!!

[dr_simran]

Hi,
The meaning of large posterior central means prolapse or herniation of that part of the disc which is at the centre and at the back or posterior part of the disc.
Best

[aktorides]

Thanks a lot for the advice. Please explain what a "large posterior central" means in my MRI diagnosis.I tried to find any referece to this but I couldn't.

By the way I'm feling a lot better since last time.Knee pain has gone.There is  some back pain, but not disturbing at all.

Thank again doctor...

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
The degenerative changes and the bulge cause pressure over the nerve roots causing pain. Surgery should be the last option as it it does not give 100%results .It is a good sign that you have strated feeling better
Treatment options are geared toward pain relief.
Pain medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids orally or injected, anti-spasm drugs, anti-convulsants to help with the burning pain, and in some cases, narcotic pain relievers are given.
He should go in for Physical therapy such as hydrotherapy, massage, and hot/cold therapy.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a treatment in which a painless electrical current is sent to specific nerves through electrode patches that are placed on the skin. The mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain
Treatment methods should be focused on pain relief and maintaining quality of life.Although slow, usually these conservative treatments relieve pain.
.
Refer http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article180.html
Best