u/Kostrom

I had my MRI yesterday.

The MRI found two disc problems that are likely causing my symptoms:

\- L4-5 level: A disc is bulging/extruding out on the left side, which may be pressing on the nerve that runs down toward your left leg/groin (the L5 nerve).

\- L5-S1 level: A disc is extruding on the right side and is pressing on and pushing aside a nerve there (the S1 nerve).

There’s also mild wear and tear (disc degeneration, a small tear in one disc, and some joint arthritis) at those levels, plus mild narrowing of the spinal canal at L4-5 (nothing severe, apparently)

The report specifically flags disc extrusions and nerve compression as the “clinically significant” findings, meaning these are likely the actual source of my “radiculopathy” (nerve pain/numbness) symptoms, especially the left groin pain I’ve been having despite 5 months of physical therapy.

So….. I have two herniated (“extruded”) discs in my lower back that are pinching nearby nerves, (YAY) which explains the ongoing pain. Nothing on the scan suggests an emergency or trauma (no fracture, no severe stenosis), but since PT hasn’t resolved it, this is something I’ll need to talk with my doctor about. Not sure about next steps (such as injections, further specialist evaluation, or surgical options).

I’m a member of a local organization and we’re looking for a place to meet monthly, aside from the library. Somewhere with food would be cool. The meetings usually have about 10-20 attendees.