What Does The Following MRI Report While Suffering From Lower Back Pain Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 5 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Sir, I have been suffering from lower back pain from last 6 years. In my MRI, it's found that I have severe disc bulges in l2/l3, l3/l4,l4/l5,l5/s1. I consulted orthopedic surgeon and he told me that it's not advisable to go for surgery as severe bulges in multiple places and there will not be much benefit. Even I am not interested to go for surgery. I constantly have back pain and some times it becomes unbearable due to which I can't even turn. I have taken physiotherapy and doing exercises currently. but I didn't see much improvement. Could you please tell me whether it will be curable and make me to lead normal life. What is the best possible solution other than surgery to recover completely.Please find attached MRI screenshots.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow advices and treatment as mentioned below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Multiple lumbar disc prolapse with compression is difficult to manage conservatively.
Physiotherapy is the main method.
Precautions for right posture is required. Avoid stooping forward, sitting crossed leg, squatting.
Pain killers and muscle relaxant like aceclofenac or diclofenac with tizanidine or thiocholchicoside.
Neuropathic pain can be managed by pregabalin, gabapentin, Amitriptyline, sertraline can be used.
Neurosurgical advice can be taken.
Images are not uploaded yet for review.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (25 minutes later)

I have attached MRI screenshots. Please look into them and let me know how severe are they and are they curable and make me to lead normal life with physiotherapy and exercises, if I do them regularly?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Visit to a neurosurgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The compression is moderate to severe degree and relief may not be complete.
Neurosurgery opinion can be taken as surgery may be an option if done at good center.
Physiotherapy and medications will provide temporary relief to some extent.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj