Can somone help with MRI report

[TMD124]

I have been having low back pain for a couple years now.. I am not understanding where my pain is coming from unless something has changed since this report is since 9/28/2011

L4-5 disc space is positive for a central broad-based disc herniation. A well-defined protruding disc fragment measuring 5mm in depth and 8mm in width extends into the anterior spinal canal,There is a slight right lateral predominance. There us dustirtuib of the thecal sac but no definite nerve root compression

L5-S1 is positive for a central focal disc herniation that extends into the anterior epidural space. There is no nerve root displacement or compromise.

My doctor said since it is not touching a nerve i should have no pain. I do understand what he is saying, but I do have pain, everyday..
He said he would send me to pain management, but i am terrified of pain medication, and if this is not the problem , what is??
I am not miserable everyday, but somedays i can't work it hurts so bad.. Does anyone know if he is correct in explaining my report? He is just my regular GP?
Anyone who can offer me any help or advice I would really appriciate it
thank you

[Cinderelly70]

Hi Fenderson,

I'm sorry to hear of your chronic pain caused by the disc herniations/ surgery.   I agree, for some, pain meds are necessary to re-gain a somewhat normal life.  I'm sorry this has to be yours, and from what I'm being told, mine too.  Your surgery sounds to be exactly as the surgery that I need to have.  

And like you said, a GP is not qualified to make a diagnosis and ship you off to a pain clinic.  Some minor herniations can be treated with rest and physical therapy.   That's why its so important to see a specialist.

Good luck to all who are having problems.   TMD, don't settle!

Warm wishes,
Cindy

[Fenderson]

Congrats to you for getting off the meds! I am in my late 40's and have had two back surgeries. The first was to do a three level fusion and the second to remove the hardware. This after an initial injury of 2 ruptured discs in 1992. I continued to work for UPS until 2005 when the 3rd disc finally blew and left me literally crawling very much of the time. I believe surgery should be the only option left before it's done. For me opiates have been a necessary evil. As much as I hate the thought of a lifetime of pills, they have given me some quality of life back. It is a very difficult decision and I agree that the choice belongs to the patient and not the doc.

[Cinderelly70]

I definitely agree with all the posts but hogie was reading my mind!  My 1st back surgery, at 37, resulted from a ruptured disc causing permanent scar tissue on my sciatic nerve.  Surgery did not help.  In fact, pain was worse than ever!  So 2 spinal cord stimulators, that didn't work, epidurals, nerve blocks and nerve burning....led to a life of oxycodone and fentanyl.   And a miserable life it was!  Mentally,  I was not "there" for my kids, would doze off during conversation with friends and while driving resulting in another car accident 2 years ago, fracturing a vertebrae,  rupturing 2 more discs that are now compressing nerve roots.  And I'm so thankful I'm alive.  

I'm currently 35 days off meds, cold turkey,  I had taken them almost 5 years.  I'm awaiting 2nd opinion from surgeon.  

Its your body, TMD.  Only you can determine what drs do .  If you don't want a life of opiates,  say No!  They're currently wanting to put me on a morphine pump...I could end my misery quickly,  but I refuse to live my life like that....got a lot of living left to do, lol.  

Please get a 2nd opinion....from a specialist.   Demand your records if you have to and go to a neurologist.   They will steer you in the right direction.

[shinty]

Mri's don't always tell the whole story. I'm sorry you have a doctor that needs "proof" that your in pain. I'd find a new doctor that will actually listen to your complaints and treat you properly. I hear this sort of thing way to often. good Luck,
    shinty

[Fenderson]

Get a second opinion now from a specialist. As great as an MRI is there is no way your GP can positively say that there is nerve compression or damage that was done at the time of the initial injury. There are several more tests that can be done to more closely pinpoint where the pain is originating. A discogram can be done to show which disc or discs is causing the pain. There are so many minimal invasive surgeries available. Don't just be happy with your GP. I ruptured S1-L5 and went to my GP right after the injury and his diagnosis was muscle strain and sent me home with muscle relaxers and pain meds. 3 days later I went to a specialist and the truth was quickly revealed. Good Luck to you...  

[hogie1]

I would have to agree with the last post, see a specialist. For many years I was told many different things from MRIs ETC. The specialist was the answer I was looking for after a Discogram. Unfortunate for me it requires back surgery that I do not want to do at this time. Also a life of narcotics is no fun. At first it appears as it will be a success until you are on them for some time. Then you struggle with getting of of them or staying on them and the side effects and with drawls and the discrimination of using them starts to drive you out of your mind. Please exhaust all of your options before you go through the same treatment pain management does for everyone. Injections that don't work, medications, electric cord stimulators etc. Small percentage responds to this, back pain has many different effects for many different people. Example the same MRI for pt-a may have very little symptoms while pt-b is very symptomatic and can barely walk. Also research, you will learn a lot by researching back conditions. Good luck to your pain freedom search.

[Cinderelly70]

Hi,

I'm no Dr.   But no stranger to back pain and surgery.   I had my l5 disc removed because of nerve root compression and now have permanent scar tissue on my sciatic nerve causing severe burning of my left leg from surgery done in January 2008.  I now have 2 more herniated discs, also compression of nerve roots, surgeon won't touch it.  Afraid of making my condition worse or possible paralysis.

If I were you...I would ask to be sent to a specialist before being sent to a painclinic.  Believe me, a life of narcotics is no fun!  I'm currently on no narcotics.

Msg me anytime if you have questions.  
Good luck!!
Cindy