Picked up MRI report today on neck and back

 

    Hi, I just got back from the doctor's office, picked up my MRI on my neck and back.  Here is what the test showed L4-5 there is a severe disc degeneration. There appears to be a broad-base  disc protrusion at this level extending into the left lateral recess.  There does  does appear to be a component of the left L5 nerve root compression in the lateral recess.  The L5-S1 disc is normal in contour and the spinal canal at this level is widely patent.

 

Mild disc degeneration and minimal disc bulging at T12-L1 and L1-2

 

There is no evidence of spinal stenosis. Intervertebral disc are normal in height.  There is a foraminal stenosis bilaterally at C6-7 moderate degree.  No significant foraminal narrowing is identified elsewhere.

 

There is also evidence of Moderate-To-Severe Right C3-4

 

 

I'm not so sure what all this means yet, but to me it doesn't sound to good.  What are your opinions?   I am wondering what treatment I should go with??   The sciatica really bothers me, sometimes it feels like someone is jabbing me with a knife in the buttocks area and down my leg.  Thanks for any input

 

 

God Bless,

 

Mercyme

 

 

 

Thanks Gramps I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. Yeah I didn't like the word severe being used either. Lord knows I don't want surgery. I go next Tuesday to talk to a Pain mangement doctor, she mentioned the tens unit maybe. I'm thinking maybe try more therpy then if that doesn't do the trick then we will go to the next thing.

I spoke to a friend at my church who is a PT she says sciatica can be fixed without surgery and she was willing to give me a free consult to discuss my condition. didn't know sciatica could be treated without surgery, but hey I'm willing to here what she has to say.

Again Thanks Gramps,

Mercyme