Hi,
Need someone's help and/or medical opinion. I have been suffering from extreme lower back pains for several years, but in November of 2007 I had an episode of spasm that kept me in bed for 5weeks and eventually using a cane for another 2weeks. In December of the same year MRI results concluded "mild broad-based disc bulge, L5/S1. No spinal or neural foraminal stenosis." The pain has not gone away, and I have lived everyday since managing lower back issues. Pain originates in my lower back, radiates to my hip and down my left leg with occasional tingling sensations. I have been managing pain with Oxycocet, Oxycotin, Naproxen, Lyrica, and a few others....nothing seemed to help. I have seen countless chiropractors, acupuncturists, have tried managing the pain with nerve-block injections.

Another MRI was done last month, April 15th, 2009. "At L5-S1 there is a moderate central and left paramedian focal disc extrusion. The extruded disc measures 25mm transverse x 8mm AP x 10mm craniocaudad. The disc is seen encroaching upon displacing the left S1 nerve root posterior and laterally to the left. There is no significant spinal canal compromise. The disc extends into the proximal left L5-S1 recess but not into the neuroforamen and there is no encroachment upon exiting." I'm assuming my results are a little more definitive than the earlier MRI, but what does it mean? The specialist immediately suggested surgery, is there another option?

I have sent my results to a spinal decompression clinic as a possible alternative to surgery - they advised me that my herniation was not typical, and that due it would not work. What does that mean? What type of herniation do i have??? I'm lost and could help with some advise or explanation.

Tony