drugged up and off work this week…saw specialist this morning and went over MRI results basically my discs are wrecked.
can some one tell me in normal terms what it all means was far to spaced out this morning !

Google suggests arthritis starting at L3/L4 (lumbar or mid spine). ‘Slipped disc’ at the junction of L4/L5 and L5/S1 bottom of mid spine basically on bulgy discs. The nerve is compressed at L5.
Looks like everything above L3 is fine below L4 you may need a full service.

A ‘real doctor’ will hopefully be along to correct my Google diagnosis.

You have my sympathies and some core work may not be out of place (get some proper advice first though).

Anyone over the age of 30 with an MRI will show some wear and tear in their discs….

Basically the two herniated discs are protruding slightly and causing narrowing of the canal that the nerves go through, meaning that they are compressing on the nerves and causing discomfort. Usually caused by wear and tear.

(not a Doctor, ex ambulance chaser who read a lot of medical reports!)

L spine MRI results can usually only be interpreted in the context of what your symptoms and examination findings are.

That shows some wear and tear and two slipped discs which might be causing pain and or weakness in your right leg. The l4/5 disc sounds worse.

What you do about this depends on your symptoms…

What are they suggesting?

ONce this onset has calmed down its back to weekly spinal fitness at the hospital

Presently can’t walk far and pain is excruciating- third time this year and ongoing for the last few

Naproxen 500mg
Diazepam 10mg
Cocodimol 500/30

Are my best friends at the moment!!

What kind of specialist?

I suspect anyone qualified enough to give a professional opinion won;t want to do so over the internet based on just that document…

Chief honcho of physiotherapy department, I should have listened more carefully.

It’s hard to take medical info in when you’re in pain and drugged up, I’ve been there and done that. Don’t be afraid to take a pen and pad, or even someone to help.

Healing vibes. And if your username is accurate, do try to do more exercise as your back allows it, I found swimming was a big help when my back was bad.

PS. It’s the co-codamol that spaces me out the most (and bungs me up), I try to switch to paracetamol as soon as I can bear to.

Can I be the first to recommend Mckenzie (7 steps etc)? Of course you’ll want to listen to proper first-hand medical advice too, but as self-help goes, it’s pretty effective for many (not all).

In a similar situation. Had a very big problem lapse fixed surgically 7 years ago but it has relapsed a few times and I get a constant cycle of okish and bloody awful back problems. Core exercises every day are the only way I’ve found to manage things. Pilates and swimming. Also have had to back off the effort when biking. Unfortunately, that feeds less fitness. Try and find a good physio and sports massage person. Get some tailored exercises and stay on top of it. I’d also try seeing someone about your standing posture. My back problems seem to trace back to an injury that makes me stand and walk a bit off kilter. Surprisingly, insoles in my shoes to correct my posture really helped make my less reliant on truck loads of drugs (though they still have their place). Chin up and best of luck.

DO NOT DO McKENZIE EXERCISES.

Without at least speaking to a suitable physio. I speak from experience.

The above diagnosis is pretty accurate. The “slipped” discs are compressing the sciatic nerve which in turn is giving you pain in the right leg and foot. Without surgery no amount of exercises will “cure” your problem. Exercise will lessen the symptoms and reduce pain, but they won’t fix it.

I had very very similar and underwent surgery last year to rectify the problem.

Where are you OP? I can recommend a very good surgeon if you want to explore that route.

Without surgery no amount of exercises will “cure” your problem. Exercise will lessen the symptoms and reduce pain, but they won’t fix it.

Have discussed this and its not a viable option as the hospital trust I’m under don’t like to do this treatment unless they have no other option.

Where are you OP?

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

We have spoken about life style changes work etc my job is physical daily (have a bike shop) on a trip to Holland this year I noticed most bike shops have hoists to work on the bikes – this is something ill be getting.

Another painful night of no sleep but have woken up feeling slightly better

Unfortunately lifestyle changes and non surgical routes are just coping strategies. Your back won’t get better. Even with surgery you won’t get a new back. But you will get an overhaul so that the herniated discs are not compressing the sciatic nerve.

The surgeon is Mr Ian Pitman. He works out of various hospitals in Birmingham, Hereford and Worcester. He did try less invasive methods first, but ultimately he was positive that surgery was the right course of action for me. And in all honesty he has given me my life back. My back will never be as strong as it once was, but I am living pain free and able to things that 10 years of living with chronic back pain prevented me from even thinking about.

Some very sound and evidence based advice here:

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOjTegn9RuY[/video]

You should speak to your doctor before doing it but the below has had the best effect for my back which had been troubling me for over a year (bulging disc, sciatica, muscle spasms etc.). I’ve seen significant improvement using this alongside massage therapy. Far better than any pilates / yoga / physio stretches and excercises I’ve tried.

https://www.foundationtraining.com/

Loads of stuff you can see online for free before spending any money with them. TED talks etc.