multilevel degenerative disc disease @ 29 years

[aeiou5]

I just got my results from my MRI:

L3-L4 level there is a mild annular disc bulge with no significant central canal compromise. The neural foramia are patent bilaterally.
L4-L5 level there is a diffuse annular disc bulge with a superimposed focal central disc protrusion which midly indents the thecal sac. The disc occupies the inferior recess of the neuroforamina bilaterally resulting in mild narowing.
L5-S1 there is a mild annular disc bulge asymmetric to the left without significant central canal compromise. There is moderate narrowing of the neural formamina bilaterally again on the basis of the disc bulge as well as facet hypertrophy.

Usually I can tolerat the pain but for the last three days I've been in so much pain I feel sick. I have three little ones I have to take care of and it is getting really hard. I've been living on advil but now I'm taking a muscle relaxant. I can't stand up straight...I look like I should be walking with a cane...should I be going to get a massage or to a chriopractor????

 

[rkolle01]

I think you should get whatever you think will feel better. There is something to be said for mind over back pain. If your doctor/surgeon says that surgery is not imperative, try other options. I had bulging (then ruptured) disks at L5-S1 & L4-L5. Bulging can mean only back pain and no leg pain. You only need surgery if the pain goes down your legs. In the meantime, you should also try accupuncture for relief.

It may or not be applicable to you, but I would try to acquire Healing Back Pain, by Dr. John Sarno. It helped me when I had the bulging disk problem for many years. When they rupture, however, your only option is surgery.

In the meantime, do massage and accupuncture to alleviate the pain. Having 3 little ones with this pain must be a nightmare. I have bought chair massagers from Homedics corporation and they help with managing the pain.

Good luck and you'll be in my prayers.