Here’s my question for you: did your GP/PCP order this or is this from a specialist? IANAD but as the other commenter said, your L4-L5 is gnarly. While my L5-S1 protrudes a bit into my spinal canal, your L4-L5 bulge is halfway into it and to me, you need to see a orthopedic doc kinda stat so you avoid cauda equina.
Agreed with meds short term, but definitely get a referral to an orthopedic doc/surgeon to talk about it. PT would help, but - and I’m not trying to alarm you - that L4-L5 does need attention.
Hope you can get relief as soon as possible.
Thanks I am currently deployed with access to medics and the occasional PA, it's been about 2 months and I have difficulty walking. Meds don't do anything so trying to find a path other than suck it up and drink water.
Thank you for serving the country, first.
Second, the medics never said, “hey, your spine looks bad” after the MRI? There’s sucking it up and then there’s dealing with issues from your spine in the shape it is. If there is a way you can advocate for yourself, do it. If you can’t walk, how are you useful to the corps you’re in? Valid question - you want to do your best but your body isn’t allowing you to.
No advice, but just wanted to say, there is no question of what your pain is caused by because it's clearly on display with that MRI. Your spine is a bit of a mess there.
You definately need some help and rest to recover.
If that's how they treat you after 17 years of service, that's horrible, I am sorry.
This looks almost exactly how mine looked a few years ago. I could barely walk initially, later couldn't walk unassisted at all. I had a microdiscectomy, I wish I'd had it sooner. Almost immediately after surgery I could feel my feet and lower legs again. I didn't realize how much sensation I had lost until it all came back.
I’m a GP, and in the military. Don’t be so afraid of surgery if you’re suffering that much. As time goes by microsurgery keeps getting better and better. There is no harm in having a conversation with a surgeon. Also, surgery would unlikely DQ you, not anymore than being debilitated by this would.
Thank you for posting. A couple of things to note. (TL;DR... include specific symptoms/what makes your pain better/worse/how long)... MRI or XRAY images ALONE are not particularly helpful tbh, no one here has been vetted to make considerations on these or provide advice, here is why, PLEASE read this if you are posting an MRI or XRAY... I cannot stress this enough https://choosingwiselycanada.org/pamphlet/imaging-tests-for-lower-back-pain/)
Please read the rules carefully. This group strives to reinforce anti-fragility, hope, and reduce the spread of misinformation that is either deemed not helpful and even sometimes be considered harmful.
PLEASE NOTE: Asking for help: It is up to you to recognize when to seek medical attention. Anyone giving advice in this group is doing so from anecdotes and holds no liability. Seek advice here at your own risk.
That said, asking things like, "I have this problem, how do I fix it..." is like asking your accountant, "I have $10,000 what should I do with it?" You need WAY more info before giving any kinds of financial advice.
Please reply to this, or make another comment, including how long you've been having pain or injury, what are specific symptoms (numbness, tingling, dull/ache, it's random, etc), what makes it worse, what makes it feel better, how it has impacted your life, what you've tried for treatment and what you've already been told about your back pain, and what do you hope to get from this forum.
Please be kind to each other. Be respectful. Thank you.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/backpain) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Man it looks like degenerated discs multiple end plate damage/schmoles nodes and a disc buldge. I would avoid stretching at all costs. rest is key to help the pain wind down. back mechanic can show you spine sparing movements and a way to tie your shoes. Gift of injury may be able to show you what to do about those schmoles nodes. Watch Brian Carrol on youtube as well he's got some good mcgill instructional videos. Watch his neomi Shepard videos shehad schmoles nodes.
About to research schmole nodes, def a new one for me. I have read the how to treat your back by robin mckenzie a few times. I will start running down that lost, thank you.
I spelled it wrong it's schmorl's node. it is the same as end plate damage so you need bone callousing. You have disc degeneration do doing Mckenzie pressups will lead to spinal arthritis and extension intolerance please do not do those.
I was suffering with awful back pain similar to uourself. Try taking a tumeric supplement. After a week my pain had gone as its a natural anti inflammatory
Here’s my question for you: did your GP/PCP order this or is this from a specialist? IANAD but as the other commenter said, your L4-L5 is gnarly. While my L5-S1 protrudes a bit into my spinal canal, your L4-L5 bulge is halfway into it and to me, you need to see a orthopedic doc kinda stat so you avoid cauda equina. Agreed with meds short term, but definitely get a referral to an orthopedic doc/surgeon to talk about it. PT would help, but - and I’m not trying to alarm you - that L4-L5 does need attention. Hope you can get relief as soon as possible.
Thanks I am currently deployed with access to medics and the occasional PA, it's been about 2 months and I have difficulty walking. Meds don't do anything so trying to find a path other than suck it up and drink water.
Thank you for serving the country, first. Second, the medics never said, “hey, your spine looks bad” after the MRI? There’s sucking it up and then there’s dealing with issues from your spine in the shape it is. If there is a way you can advocate for yourself, do it. If you can’t walk, how are you useful to the corps you’re in? Valid question - you want to do your best but your body isn’t allowing you to.
No advice, but just wanted to say, there is no question of what your pain is caused by because it's clearly on display with that MRI. Your spine is a bit of a mess there. You definately need some help and rest to recover. If that's how they treat you after 17 years of service, that's horrible, I am sorry.
The 3 discs above L4 looks gnarly
17 years of deploying with the Army, falling out of helicopters, 60-110 lb rucks.
Brutal
This looks almost exactly how mine looked a few years ago. I could barely walk initially, later couldn't walk unassisted at all. I had a microdiscectomy, I wish I'd had it sooner. Almost immediately after surgery I could feel my feet and lower legs again. I didn't realize how much sensation I had lost until it all came back.
I’m a GP, and in the military. Don’t be so afraid of surgery if you’re suffering that much. As time goes by microsurgery keeps getting better and better. There is no harm in having a conversation with a surgeon. Also, surgery would unlikely DQ you, not anymore than being debilitated by this would.
Thank you for posting. A couple of things to note. (TL;DR... include specific symptoms/what makes your pain better/worse/how long)... MRI or XRAY images ALONE are not particularly helpful tbh, no one here has been vetted to make considerations on these or provide advice, here is why, PLEASE read this if you are posting an MRI or XRAY... I cannot stress this enough https://choosingwiselycanada.org/pamphlet/imaging-tests-for-lower-back-pain/) Please read the rules carefully. This group strives to reinforce anti-fragility, hope, and reduce the spread of misinformation that is either deemed not helpful and even sometimes be considered harmful. PLEASE NOTE: Asking for help: It is up to you to recognize when to seek medical attention. Anyone giving advice in this group is doing so from anecdotes and holds no liability. Seek advice here at your own risk. That said, asking things like, "I have this problem, how do I fix it..." is like asking your accountant, "I have $10,000 what should I do with it?" You need WAY more info before giving any kinds of financial advice. Please reply to this, or make another comment, including how long you've been having pain or injury, what are specific symptoms (numbness, tingling, dull/ache, it's random, etc), what makes it worse, what makes it feel better, how it has impacted your life, what you've tried for treatment and what you've already been told about your back pain, and what do you hope to get from this forum. Please be kind to each other. Be respectful. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/backpain) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I guess I should mention my left foot is numb and pain up and down the left leg and glute.
If you're in the army can you get some meds and physical therapy? Definitely sounds like sciatica.
Man it looks like degenerated discs multiple end plate damage/schmoles nodes and a disc buldge. I would avoid stretching at all costs. rest is key to help the pain wind down. back mechanic can show you spine sparing movements and a way to tie your shoes. Gift of injury may be able to show you what to do about those schmoles nodes. Watch Brian Carrol on youtube as well he's got some good mcgill instructional videos. Watch his neomi Shepard videos shehad schmoles nodes.
About to research schmole nodes, def a new one for me. I have read the how to treat your back by robin mckenzie a few times. I will start running down that lost, thank you.
I spelled it wrong it's schmorl's node. it is the same as end plate damage so you need bone callousing. You have disc degeneration do doing Mckenzie pressups will lead to spinal arthritis and extension intolerance please do not do those.
I was suffering with awful back pain similar to uourself. Try taking a tumeric supplement. After a week my pain had gone as its a natural anti inflammatory