If anyone has any information that may help me learn about the following
situation and make a decision, I would be very appreciative if you could email
me, or mail to the list.
I recently had a CT (Computed Tomography, ie: catscan) done on my lumbar
spine (from L1 -> S1) since x-rays show a "rudimentary disc space" between
L5 and S1.
The CT shows that my L5-S1 disc has "slipped" and is impinging on the spinal
cord. This is the apparent cause for pain shooting down my left buttock and
thigh.
The CT also shows that the L4-L5 disc is on its way out, and there is a
"disc fragment" between L5 and the spinal cord. This fragment could have come
from the L5-S1 disc, or it could have come from the L4-L5 disc.
There is an operative procedure that removes the defective L5-S1 disc and
fuses L5-S1. If L4-L5 "slips" as well, such an operation could also be
performed to fuse L4-L5.
The doctor (he’s also an acupuncturist) says not to operate, but to see a
physio and treat the problem "conservatively". He says I’m too young for such
an operation (I’m 27). He is of the opinion that I must avoid all forms of
movement that place strain on the lumbar spine, for the rest of my life.
A friend who is a neurosurgeon looked at the CT and immediately said "you need
an operation". He is of the opinion that after a while I would be able to move
"normally", and need not "watch what I do with my back".
Over the last couple of days the pain has somewhat decreased, and the
L5-S1 and L4-L5 joints have been "cracking" occasionally.
Any information about similar cases and experiences would be very helpful.
Thanks.
P.S. When I feel I have enough information, everyone who responds to my query
will get a transcript of Jonathan’s Brilliant Back Story, and I’ll post
to relevant newsgroups and mailing lists. All people, besides myself,
will remain anonymous.
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Jonathan Goldstein golds…@nms.otc.com.au +61 2 339 3683
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Jonathan Goldstein golds…@nms.otc.com.au +61 2 339 3683