I am 32 years old, always been athletic, but have had back pain for almost 10 years. It started with squash and I tried physiotherapy several times and returned to the game - and eventually quit 2 years ago when I would be reduced to crawling for 2 or 3 days after playing and couldn't tie my shoes.
I was always told I had a hypermobility at S1-L5 L4-L5. Recently I had a relapse for no apparent reason and have also had leg pain and numbness which does not always accompany the pain.
I recently got an MRI and it read the following:
At L4-5: There is a moderate sized broad based central and left paracentral disc protrusion. There is some associated mild osteoarthritis in the posterior facets resulting in moderate central canal stenosis. There is potentially some mass effect against the intrathecal portion of the left L5 nerve root. No significant neural foraminal stenosis is noted.
At L3-4: There is some mild degenerative disc bulging associated with the trace of osteoarthritis in the posterior facets. No significant central or neural foraminal stenosis. No disc protrusion. There is a small central annular tear.
At L5-S1: There is some mild osteoarthritis in the posterior facets but no disc protrusion or central/neural foraminal stenosis.
Impression:
1. Moderate central canal stenosis at L4-5 caused by a broad based central and left paracentral disc protrusion. There is potentially some mass effect against the intrathecal left L5 nerve root and clinial correlation is recommended to confirm or refute the significance of this finding.
2. Incidental mild degenerative changes in the posterior facets at L3-4 and L5-S1.
Do you have any comments regarding my condition, and can you recommend a specialist to discuss surgical/non-surgical options? I have been in physio off and on for 8 years and becoming frustrated with my condition.