Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 12/5/2010

Question
ive been in alot of non stop pain,i had a mri done recently and was wondering if you can help me understand what is going on and my options.at l5-s1 there is a moderate degree of disc stature loss there is loss of disc signal intensity indicative of disc desiccation.there is a large central to right paracentral focal disc protrusion which abuts and moderately deforms the ventral aspect of the traversing thecal sac.an associated mild circumferential bulge of the annulus fibrosis causes a mild degree of bilateral neural femoral compromise.impression large central to right paracentral discprotrusion at l5-s1 causing a moderate degree of acquired central canal stenosis.mild circumferential bulge of the annulus fibrosis at l5-s1 contributing to a mild degree of bilateral neural foraminal compromise.

Answer
I will repost your question, with my answers in caps after each part:
at l5-s1 there is a moderate degree of disc stature loss THE SPACE BETWEEN L5 AND S1 IS DECREASED.  there is loss of disc signal intensity indicative of disc desiccation.THE CENTER OF THE DISC IS "DRYING OUT" there is a large central to right paracentral focal disc protrusion which abuts and moderately deforms the ventral aspect of the traversing thecal sac.THERE IS A DISC HERNIATION PUSHING AGAINST THE COVERING OF TEH SPINAL CORD, WHICH MAY BE CAUSING YOUR PAIN. an associated mild circumferential bulge of the annulus fibrosis causes a mild degree of bilateral neural femoral compromise.ANOTHER BULGE THAT MAY BE PRESSING ON THE NERVES CAUSING YOUR PAIN. impression large central to right paracentral discprotrusion at l5-s1 causing a moderate degree of acquired central canal stenosis.mild circumferential bulge of the annulus fibrosis at l5-s1 contributing to a mild degree of bilateral neural foraminal compromise.

Now, as for your options:  I would leave surgery as a last resort.  It may or may not be indicated in this situation; that would be for a neurologist to decide.  I would suggest finding a practitioner of the McKenzie method.  This method analyzes and treats disc issues.  If you can find a chiropractor certified to do it, all the better.