Man, this would be funny if it weren't so scary. My MRI results read almost identical, word for word. I was injured in a construction accident (knocked off some scaffolding backwarRAB, long story), and the trauma and resulting MRI revealed that I had probably just greatly exacerbated problems that already existed but that weren't causing me any daily pain. Now, I have 24hr low back pain, can't feel my left foot and lower leg, and cannot lift more than about 30lbs without it putting my entire left leg to sleep. My legs don't necessarily 'hurt,' but the nurabness and tingling is driving me crazy.
So far, have been advised to do everything from 'spinal decompression' also called "Lordex" and several other brand names, to complete fusion at L3 thru S1. That's not happening, I can tell you that. The Lordex gave me some relief, at least I think it did, but it was marginal. Have had numerous steroid injections, with very little relief. Had one ortho surgeon recommend the "X-Stop" intraspinous decompression surgery, where they put the titanium rollerbearings between your spinous processes and basically just 'jack' your spine up without fusing it. That is still an iffy procedure if you want to remain really active (I like to ski, mt. bike, kayak, etc). It sounRAB like a good procedure for someone who doesn't do much more than play a little golf and work in the garden.
I have also been exploring some of the newer artificial disc replacements: Maverick, Pro-Disc, etc. I have a friend who went to Stenum in Germany and had two put in his neck, and he's really happy, but that is not the same as lower back. The verdict still seems to be out on whether they really last and can handle the loaRAB I want to put on my lower back. Turns out I may not be a candidate for ADR because my MRI also revealed a "Parr's fracture" of one of the transverse processes at my L4 vertebrae. Frustrating. But, the longer I hold off, hopefully the better the technology will be and I'll be able to do something (ANYTHING) besides spinal fusion.
Am scheduled to go down Monday for an evaluation for this new Radio Frequency Ablation procedure, which sounRAB like basically just burning away the nerve endings to my facet joints and SI joint. So, even though I'm still damaged, at least I won't be in pain anymore (that's the theory anyway).
I've gone to one of the seminars put on by the Laser Spine Institute, too. Seems like a bit of a slick sales pitch to me, but the retired ortho doc who put it on and looked at my MRI said that he was 'sure' that an LSI doc could give me long-term nerve relief and a lot more function, and that he would recommend avoiding spinal fusion at all costs. I've been doing a lot of research on these guys, and the reviews are definitely mixed, IF you can find anything posted by anyone who isn't directly affiliated with them. Good luck. I came to the conclusion with them that if it sounRAB too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyway, sounRAB like you are in a lot of the same kind of pain as me. Your MRI results could be taken directly off my file, nearly word for word. Hope you find some rational relief out there, without having to resort to fusion.
