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MRI for low back pain

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Posted 9/6/2012 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I have low back pain every day. I had an MRi and it revealed I have arthritis in the low back and a bulging disc. I have been referred to a Spine doctor on Sept 22nd. 

What can a spine doctor do for me. any  help or advice would be appreciated......?????

Thank you, Caren

Posted 9/6/2012 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Caren

There are many things a spinal doctor can do, you have to find out the extent of the bulging disc. Surgery will be the last option. Usually they will do everything in their power to avoid surgery. They will consider physiotherapy, pain management. Pain management can include pain meds as well as facet joint injections, medial branch blocks and radio frequency ablation. There are many more options. Most people have some sort of degeneration in their back. A lot depends on how it affects your ability to live a normal life.

I am sorry that you are having constant back pain, it is no fun. Go to see this doctor with an open mind. If I were you surgery would be my absolute last resort. It is better to exhaust less invasive treatments first.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

Jane
Posted 9/7/2012 1:41 PM (GMT 0)

        Good mornig Caren! ...and Welcome!

          MRI eh!...and a bulging disc?...Just checking, but have you tried Physical Thearpy yet?...or by chance an epudural? These things are often tried first, and most of the time required, before a surgeon will attempt corrective surgery.

    If by chance you do indeed need surgery, I would think that with a bulging disc, a less evasive procedure like a discectomy might be done instead of a fusion. I have seen several fiends do well after having one of these, and the recovery time is much quicker as well...or can be.

    Hope that helps a you a little...we certainly wish you the best! Please stay in touch with us, and let us know what he says. We are here for support anytime!

   Again Welcome, and enjoy the forum!

       SE wink

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