Question
QUESTION: 0.5 x 0.5 x 1.0 cm left paracenteral disc sequestration at L5-S1.  There is mass effect on the anterior aspect of the thecal sac on the left side with mild cansl stenosis.  There is mass effect on the left S1 nerve root, which is displaced by approximately 3 mm.  Annular bulging and posterior spondylitic ridging at L4-5 with borderline minimal canal stenosis.  There is mild bialeral foraminal narrowing at L4-5.  Questionalbe minimal annular bulging at L3-4.  Desiccation of the L4-5 and L5-S1 discs.  Levoscoliosis of the lumbar spine.   August 14,2007
What dose all this mean.  What is the out come if I don't do anything?  had steriod shots (it's worse why?)
what is the Levo?
Sorry    I have no more insurance, and my shots took all of our savings?  So I'm looking for anwsers.  Thank-you
Lori

ANSWER: OOf.  Lori you have what we consider to be some issues in your low back.

Before I get too far into answering your question, I'd advise you to read my page about the disc on my website, at www.dynamicclinic.com, go under the ARTICLES SECTION, and then (I think) LUMBAR DISC.

I'll answer your question bit by bit. Sequestration of the disc means that a piece of it has actually broken free and is floating about in the spinal canal.  It seems like that disc piece is pushing on the sac that holds all those nerves in. It's a pretty good sized piece.

You can read through my other answers here, I hope, there's a lot I've said about the disc, foraminal narrowing and stenosis.

Canal stenosis.  If we cut you in half along your beltline, we would see a tube formed by the bones in the back, and the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots travel through it.  Your discs are pushing on this tube, closing it down (stenosis).  The things your are showing on this report usually HURTS. A LOT.  Or worse, it may leave you weak, or even slightly paralysed.  Tests we would do would be to have you walk on your heels, and walk on your toes.  If you can't do these tasks, the level of prognosis is worse.

Traction may in fact help you, but it's that piece floating around that I don't like hearing about... it may come and go at any time.
The only option I know is surgery to remove it.  I'm a chiropractor and we are typically do everything you can before surgery, too.   

I'm not sure why you got steroids, that's a judgement call on the doc you were seeing.   I'm sorry they made you worse.

Lastly, the levoscoliosis.  It simply means you spine bends to the left.  Don't fret so much about that one!

I have answered your question, but haven't supplied any answers for you.  I can't diagnose you over the Internet! But based on these findings, this is what I would probably do:  I would look at getting SOMETHING that would traction out my spine... there are lots of products that do this. I would do them every day.

There is absolutely no guarantee this will work for you on a permanent basis at all. If that piece pops free, it can drop you like a bag of rocks.  And then there's really no alternatives.  Your MD or DC who referred you for the exam should have discussed this with you... do hit him or her up to talk about options.  Paying 1500 bucks for an MRI should get you SOME face time there. Sorry for the downer, kiddo.  Should you have any follow up q's, please reply

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QUESTION: Thank-you so much for you're time.
In the Impression is the cauda equnia being effected?
I just do a little search on the names.  
Thanks again
Lori

Answer
No, it's not cauda equina syndrome, per se.  Cauda equina is a condition that is a true medical emergency, not that yours isn't.  It's drastic pressure on the nerve roots, leaving the person sometimes paralyzed, sometimes without bowel or bladder function.

The actual cauda equina begins about L1 and flows down to L5.