Hi I have been having back pain for a year now that is at times pretty severe. I had an MRI and it said that I have disk bulges at s1/l5 & l3/l4. It also said I have a bone spur at l3/34. I have had steriod injections and they relieve the paid for about a week and it comes back. I am now seeing a physical therapist that I have been going to for about 6 weeks and have shown a small inprovement. What surgical options do I have as I am tired of hurting as my life style has changed and I want to be back to my old active self. Thank you
Hi, you're suffering from PIED at l3/l4 &l5/s1. Due to this Disc bulge pressure occurs on nerve roots & radiation of pain occurs in that dermatome. Physiotherapy like intermittent lumbar traction, back exercise reduces pressure of disc bulge for some time & gives relief. Steroid injections reduce edema & thereby reduces pressure over nerves. According to seventy, age & patient demand surgery is a good option (Discectomy). Nowadays Microdiscectomy done with an operating microscope. Exposure is very limited. Morbidity & hospitalization is less.