just had MRI - which would you pick?

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marcia42

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My Dr. suggested to alternatives 1. spinal injection of steriod or choose to see a specialist about surgery . Here are the MRI results: Bilateral L5 pars defects with minimal grade 1 spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1. There is a right paracentral disc bulge or protrusion that extenRAB superior to the disc level approx. 8 mm and appears to contact and mildly compress the descending right L5 nerve root in the inferior aspect of the lateral recess of L5. There is moderate to severe right and moderate left foraminal stenosis. Other facet degenerative changes noted without stenosis or herniation.
(My right lower leg is in pain all the time)...I was on vicatin and sterioRAB for 1 week for scaitica also...that seems to have gotten much better
 
Thanks for the info. My internest wants me to try the spinal first. I will go to a hospital to have this epidurmal done. He suggested we try this and then go on from here. I would see a doctor of neurology next.
I am waiting for the hospital to call as to when I can get in (out patient)
Have you had any problems like this?
 
Hi Marcia, Welcome to the boarRAB!!

Honestly, I would do everything that does not involve surgery first. Try the injections or physical therapy, the worst thing that could happen is that it does not work. Personally, I would rather have an injection then surgery.

Chances are that your surgeon and insurance would feel the same way too.

Good luck and please keep us posted. We care and are here for you 24/7.
 
Marcia,

sorry to hear of your back problems. i have been doing some research on the subject becuase of my continueing problems with my back.
 
Ditto! I dont know how long you've been suffering with this, but I would certainly try non-surgical alternatives to exhaustion before surgery is eminent. Although the stenosis neeRAB to be addressed to just how bad it actually is, as this is not remedied other than by surgery, to my knowledge.

I hope this helps.
 
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Please do not post websites except as described in the posting policy section titled "How to share information".
 
What type of doctor are you seeing that is proposing the injection? You want to be sure that the injection is done under fluoroscopy by a specialist. In the past, these injections have sometimes been given by family doctors in their offices.

Do you know to what extent the spondylolisthesis is causing your sciatic pain? The pain in your right lower leg is no doubt caused by the sciatic nerve being pinched or irritated either by the spondy, by the bulging disk and/or by the stenosis.

I would propose seeing a spinal specialist before you make any decision, if you haven't consulted with one already.
 
I am going for the injection first.
After thinking about it...and getting you and a few other's thoughts.
I guess I will treat the symptom first.
 
Hi Marcia ~

Be careful with what you read on the net. There are some reputable sites, but others have information that is questionable at best.

There are some top-notch docs in the Minneapolis area. In particular you might want to look into the Twin Cities Spine Center. It comes highly recommended.

You want to be careful with the injections. They are not as benign as many would lead you to believe. :(
 
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