Severe Back Pain

[dmwestervelt]

I have just found out that I have a broad based disk bulge at L3-L4 with an annular tear. Mild facet hypertrophic changes are noted. Also there is a very small broad based disk bulge at L4-L5. As well as a degenerative changes at L5- S1. There is no stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing seen. no herniations. With this diagnosis, what treaments could I expect in the near future,or is this something that I will have to have surgery to correct? Thanl you.
Dana

[dmwestervelt]

I have an appointment set up with a neuro- surgeon. The MRI stated that there is no stenosis. I am having nerve problems such as my left leg jumping, or even "giving out" on me. I have a constant feeling of electrofied spiders with razor blades running up and down my left buttock and the inside of my left leg. My back has been causing me excrutiating pain. I even find it really hard to lift my 4 month old son. I also have an appointment with a pain management clinic to see if they can offer me any help at all.

[MKappelmann]

Usually disc bulges are a very normal part of aging in the spine. If you have no herniations/protrusions or nerve compression, surgeons shouldn't want to operate. It's often very hard to distinguish what exactly is the pain generator: do you have facet syndrome or degenerative disc disease? Have you seen an orthopaedic or spinal surgeon?