Question
My question is... I am a 22 year old female with alot of lower back problems. My MRI findings are as followed.degenerative disk disease of L4-S1 with central disk herniation and mild to moderate central canal stenosis. There is impingement upon the nerve root. degenerative disk disease of L4 with an annular tear and a broad based disc bulge.On disc L4-L5 there is mild facet joint arthropathy. Threr is loss of signal of the disc of L4-L5-L5-S1. I am lost and don't what moves to make or what I should do. I know I am to young for all this. These findings are straight from my MRI results. If you have any suggestions on what would help or what I could do to get relief. These findings are only a few there is more but will write again. Thank you, nina

Answer
Dear Nina,

According to the findings on the MRI, your conditions sound very serious especially for someone your age.  This is a description of someone who has either been involved in a major traumatic accident or event OR an athlete who has been exposing her low back to repetitive stress and pressure such as a gymnist.  

What did the doctor suggest for you to do?  Is there any neurological compromise such as unable to move the legs, incontinence, burning pain going down to the legs, loss of motor movements of the legs...etc.  All of these factors need to be considered.  My suggestion is to avoid any twisting motion of the spine as this adds stress onto the disk for rupture or tear since the spine is already weakened and damaged.  

I will need to know of the doctor's recommendation to your condition before I can provide any suggestion.  

Good luck,

Dr. Man Tran
www.DrManTran.com