Implications, Causes of Degenerative Joint Dieases

[Grandma 6]

I had an MRI done recently that indicated central desiccation of all intervertebral disks particularly L2-L3 and inferiorly.
There is some posterior protrusion noted at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

Axial views indicate there is facet joint hypertrophy at L5-S1, particularly on the right side, with some narrowing of the neural foramina on the right at L5-S1. No focal disk herniation is noted. There is some lateral bulging of the disk at L5-S1 slightly obliterating the lateral neural foramen.

L4-L5 shows bilateral facet joint degenerative changes somewhat worse on the left than the right. There is a broad-based, diffuse disk bulge with lateral component, which is left sided, this extends laterally and may be symptomatic on the left side.

My symptoms present with low, moderate to severe back pain with left and right nerve involvement across low back down bilateral sides of both legs to the knees.

1. What does all this mean in layman's terms?
2. What do you predict the out come may be?

NOTE: I have had two (2) arthroscopic knee surgeries on my right knee in less than 1 year, both times I presented with torn meniscus (medial and lateral) with severe arthritis and degenerative disease, I am only 44 years old. I am not quit sure what they hope to accomplish,It has been suggested I see a neuro surgeon,do you feel this could be a surgical situation?

I can no longer do the jobs I have been trained for, resrictions include: Sendentary to light duty no pushing,pulling,or lifting of more than 20lbs.  

Please answer as much as you feel comfortable with!

Terri

[allpain]

I have seen a neurosurgeon about my lower back pain and pain in my left leg. he told me I have a disk pressing on the neve to my left leg. He is considering surgery. He wants to reduce the size of the disk to 60%, meaning he wants to remove 40% of the disk. I have talk it over with my therapist and he dosn't like the ida of surgery. He says it may not work or it may make things worse.
I don't know, I want the surgery because I have been in pain for so long, I can't take it anymore. What do you think about the surgery?
I also suffer from headachs. Pain has been with me most of my life, I need a brake. Doctors are treating me for the headachs and it's about 90% effective, but the treatment for the back is only 70% and dropping fast. The treatments I mention are meds. My body sometimes gets used to the meds and they become less effectve. Please let me know what you think about the back surgery.
Also, the neurosurgeon said I have a degenerative spine. What does that mean? I am 43yr and have been HIV+ since 1988. If you can give me some info on what degerative spine means, I believe that I am too young to have this but it might be HIV related.
Thanks for reading my pain..

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Please understand that this is an interpretation of the report you gave me, NOT an accurate reading of your spine MRI as I have nor personally read it. In layman's terms, it means you have bony changes in the spine related to degenerative disease (caused by normal wear and tear of aging as well as possible prior trauma?) and herniated discs that may be pushing on the nerves coming out from the spinal cord down to both legs. This can certainly cause back pain that radiates down to your legs and possibly symptoms of numbness, tingling and weakness. Depending on how severe the disease is, you may be candidate for surgery. At any rate, going to a neurosurgeon just to see what your options are may be helpful. It's possible that you may get some symptomatic relief with surgery. And possibly return to your baseline functioning. An EMG may also be helpful to look at the integrity of your nerves and muscles, which if severely abnormal may help the surgeon make a decision one way or another. Good luck.