Hi,
Based on the MRI report, it appears that you have a condition called degenerative
disc disease, which is a common cause of
back pain. The
disc protrusion at L4/5 is likely causing compression of the
spinal cord and
nerve roots, leading to pain and other symptoms. To manage your back pain, you may need to consider a multi-modal treatment approach that includes both medical and non-medical interventions.
Some of the options include:
* Pain medication: You may need prescription pain medication to help manage your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or opioids.
* Physical therapy: A physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise program that strengthens your back muscles, improves your flexibility, and reduces pain.
* Spinal injections: Your doctor may recommend injections of
corticosteroids or numbing medications directly into the affected area to provide temporary relief.
* Surgery: If your symptoms are severe and have not responded to other treatments, you may need surgery to remove the damaged disc or relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
* Lifestyle changes: You may need to make some lifestyle changes to manage your back pain, such as losing weight, quitting
smoking, or changing your job to one where you don't stand or sit for long or lift anything heavy.
It is important to follow your doctor's advice and continue with the treatment plan recommended for you. It may take some time to find the right combination of treatments that work for you, but with persistence, you can find relief from your back pain.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician