Question
Hi, I'm 30 years old who has 11 month old baby. I'm very active - running a race next week. I thought I had strong back due to all the exercises I did. (Though I stopped exercising since my pregnancy - high risk reason & now no time) I'm really curious about how I got my low back pain(left) which started 2 month ago. At first it was a sharp pain whenever I pick up & rock my baby. I also breastfeed on the floor & when I stand up holding my baby, I could not stand up. My baby wakes up 3-4 times at night so I carry her around my left arm 24/7.
When I saw my doctor the pain went away- bummer so I thought it was nothing. After 2 weeks, the pain came back for no reason - same everyday life with the baby & some running. It got so bad that I could not even walk or stand. The pain is mostly on my butt & sore leg plus when I put my leg down, sharp pinchy feeling on my low back(left). Thankfully, When I was doing MRI, my pain was pretty bad. After 2 days, I got better & I ran again which made my back feel much better. Does it help? if I run? It's so strange because my back pain comes & goes for no certain reason. I have lupus - only comes with pregnancy hormone. Is it related? Anyways, please help me with understanding my MRI scan result. My doctor does not explain to me...



L1-2, L2-3 : normal

L3-4: The disc is partially desiccated and mildly bulging. A central/right paracentral disc protrusion is broad based & narrows the central cana and right lateral recess. Mild bilateral facet arthropathy is noted as well.

L4-5: The disc is desiccated & diffusely bulging. An annular tear in the right paracentral position accompanied by a small disc protrusion narrows the central canal.

L5-S1: The disc is desiccated & diffusely bulging.A small central disc protrusion indents the anterior thecal sac contour and slightly narrows the central canal. Bilateral neural foraminal narrowing, left worse than right are due to facet arthropathy and a left foraminal disc protrusion.


Thanks!!

Answer
Sounds like you have Sciatica and based on your MRI reading also have multiple herniated discs and discs that are degenerating.
What most people do not understand is their disc are made up of collagen and water. As we age our disc if not properly hydrated and injured rapidly drys out or becomes "desiccated".
The reason is because our discs are has a poor blood supply once we are adults, so if their is an injury things will continue to get worse with time.
I utilize spinal decompression this technique allows the disc to rehydrate and allows blood to return to the disc so it can start healing.
I highly recommend you look into this treatment.