Question
Hi, I抦 a 56 year old, 5?7?and just under 13 stone male who has suffered from LBP for a number of years. In all other respects I am healthy and fairly fit individual but about 4 years ago I visited one of my local chiropractors and was treated for a stiff joint at the L4/5 L5/S1 level. The chiropractor placed me on my left side whilst pushing down my right leg and pushing my right should in the opposite direction. After this procedure I was in so much pain that I had to have 4 months off work to recover. During this time I regularly visited an osteopath. However 8 weeks ago I was in so much LBP I had no option but to return and had a MRI scan. The results are below. My questions are these 1. As an avid golfer who plays at least twice a week are my playing days over? 2. What treatment plan should I peruse? 3. What exercises should I do?



MRI Scan 6th September 2008
Findings

Disc degeneration is evident at L3/4, L4/5, and to a lesser extent, L2/3

L2/3: No disc protrusion or root compression

L3/4: Small posterior annular tear, but no evidence of disc protrusion or root compression.

L4/5: Posterior annular tear with an associated broad based disc protrusion, tending to the left of the middle. No evidence of root compression. Mild facet joint degeneration

L5/S1: bilateral facet joint degeneration (right greater than left). No evidence of disc protrusion or root compression.

No Evidence of canal stenosis
Normal conus and cauda equine
No focal marrow abnormalities

Summary Comments:
Disc degeneration at L2/3, L3/4, L4/5
Annular tears at L3/4 and L4/5 but no evidence of significant disc protrusion
Facet joint degeneration at L5/S1 and to a lesser extent at L4/5

Answer
I don't believe your playing days are over!!!  But, if you have been a golfer for some time, it would explain the wear and tear (degeneration) seen on the MRI.  I would suggest seeking a McKenzie practitioner.  They would be best able to asses the injury, and formulate a treatment plan and rehabilitation program.