I have 2 disk protrusions. The Dr's report says "slight" on both. I am!
Question:
I have 2 disk protrusions. The Dr's report says "slight" on both. I am having major pain. Can this cause it?
The report says:
slight scoliosis (Ive been told in the past it was bad)
@ L4-L5 slight, round, central, posterior disk protrusion idents slightly the dural sac
@L5-S1 mild central posterior disk protrusion idents minamally the anterior dural sac
Anyone know what this really means and if this would cause any major pain in my back? Something is really causing pain! Could this be it or would this not be that bad? I have had many back injuries and the Dr's rarely listen to me. The Dr who gave me this report gave me no pain medication but at least he ordered an MRI (they usually send me home w/no hope. I have no insurance).
Could this be causing major back pain?
I don't know what to do anymore. Major back pain for years and Dr's disregard my pain.
Answers:
Yes, it could.
2 things are going on. The protruding disk is putting pressure on your spinal nerve roots. In addition, the muscles of your low back go into spasm. Spasm increases pain and pain increases spasm. Your scoliosis contributes to this.
Talk to your physician. Normally in this case you would be referred to an Orthopedic Sureon who is a spine specialist. Depending on your actual exam there may be multiple options starting with physical therapy and possibly epidural injections to try to reduce the swelling of a bulging disk. Physicians are reluctant to have patients depend on narcotic pain meds in these cases.
Meanwhile ice and McKenzie extension exercises may help reduce your pain until you get a full plan.