Hi, I have been having back pain since 10 days and just know got an MRI the MRI says disc desiccation with an anular disc bulge and a left paracentral disc protrusion with an anular tear minimally displace the left S1 nerve root , create minimal bilateral neural foraminal narrowing and minimal central canal stenosis at L5-S1. I m a software engineer and I can barely walk, sit, stand for long periods of time without being in pain and I have trouble sleeping due to all the pain as well. Would surgery be the best thing to do and will/should I continue to do my job with all this pain?
Dear Ms You have pain because of annular tear in the cartilage and disc bulge compressing nerve. However, pain by itself may not be indication for surgery. I suggest you for the following: (a) Have a review by neurologist weather there is any neurological deficit or not (b) Your doctor may consider pain relieving medicines, rest and physiotherapy (e.g. short wave diathermy etc.) (c) If we fail and your symptoms are still severe, surgery may be considered. Protein