annular tear Pain

[bronze]

I had an accident on my spine in June 2003.  Resulting in an annular tear to the left, of the L5/S1, 3 disc dessiccation and two bulges.  I had a Discogram November 2005.The upshot was I was not a candidate for disc replacement having had adominal (abdominal) surgery previously was offered fusion, but because 3 disc's involved 2 doctors advised against it.  My pain is dreadful and continues day and night, down legs both front and back,thru butttocks, hips, and spasms at lower back, pain seems to be increasing, going up my back.Overall the pain has increased as time goes on. Medications leave me very tired and dopey. I take these on a need to basis. Sitting, Standing and lying on bed are tolerated for short periods of time.  Would the Discogram, (since not having any operation) injure my disc's more or cause more trouble and hence more pain? What is the prognosis after 4 years of unabating pain, limited movements, not working?

[MKappelmann]

By "bulges" do you mean herniations or protrusions or just bulges? From what I understand disc bulges aren't necessarily symptomatic, but the terminology is confusing. Some surgeons call herniations "bulges".

[bronze]

To quote the exact Dr's report:  L4/5 level: large left foraminal radial annular tear extending into a smal foraminal protrustion. some epidural leakage of contrast.Some associated circumferentila annular tearing. graded 8/10 on pain levels for discogram

L5/S1: Prominent left posterolateral radial annular tear with associated circumferential annular tear bulging extending into the periphery of the disc and into a small left paramedian bulde. noe epidural leak. graded 10/10 for pain levels of discogram