BillyB64

Currently, i am having severe lower bank pain, left leg pain radiating to the knee, injury from heavy lifting and motor vehicle accident approximately three years ago.

I just received my MRI results.  Observation:  Vertebral alignment is normal.  The lower spinal cord is normal terminating at L1.  At L4-5, there is disk desiccation with mild broad-based disk protrusion with bright signal.  At L5-S1, there is disk narrowing, disk desiccation, discogenic changes in the bone marrow of the adjacent vertebral endplates, mild broad based disk bulging, and bright signal intensity in the annulus of T2 weighted imaging consistent with annual tear.  Impression:  Degenerative disk disease.

Based on this information what does this mean and what would be the proper care and alternative approaches.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
Chronic low back pain has been shown to be caused by a painful intervertebral disc (discogenic low back pain) in approximately 39% of cases, a diseased Z-joint in up to 30% of cases, and sacroiliac joint disease in approximately 15% of cases.
Low back pain affects up to 85% of the population at some point in their lives. Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in patients 6 weeks.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Take care

[BillyB64]

BillyB64, based on the MRI comments i provided, what are the possible care, is surgery needed, shot in the back, although it is temporary, or physical therapy, or all.  

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
As I said your condition can be managed with help of conservative management. Conservative management consists of treatment with analgesics or injections for pain.
Physical therapy and exercise is a must in your treatment management.
Surgery would be considered only if you fail medical treatment for more than 6 months.
Exercise regimen includes muscle strengthening exercise of back, thighs and legs.
Physical therapy includes heat and cold application, ultrasound therapy.
Chiropractor manipulation also is last resort before considering for surgery.
Keep me posted.
Bye.