Question
QUESTION: I am 24 yrs working as a software programmer. I have been facing problem with low back pain, it also causes nerve pinching on my left leg. I did an MRI scan and here is the extract for the report.
There is a loss of lumbar lordosis howerer normal alignment of the lunbar vertebrae is maintained. The lumbar verterbrae revel normal marrow signal.
Disc dessication is seen at L5-S1 level.
Diffuse posterior annular disc bulges are seen from L3 to L5-S1 levels indenting the thecal sac and in close contact with exiting left L5 nerve root at L5-S1 level.
Rest of intervertebral discs, ligamentum flavum, facetal joints, neural foramina and exiting nerve roots appears unremarkable.
The conus and the bony cancl appears unremarkable.

--I consulted a doctor who told me to do execrise on daily basis. However after about 6 months I am still facing problem with back pain and nerve pinching. Could you please sugest what would be the best option for me. Is there a way to get rid of this problem without surgery?

Thanks..

ANSWER: Consistent exercise along with stretching such as yoga can be the best way to avoid surgery.  In particular, it's important to pay attention to the abdominal muscles.  They help stabilize your back.

You may want to consult a chiropractor or osteopath to see if manipulating the area can help relieve the discomfort.  There is also a form of traction used by some chiropractors and osteopaths that may be helpful.

Thank you for your question, Hitesh.  I hope that my answer was helpful.

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QUESTION: Yes, I am doing all the exercise consistently. But the problem is that I still suffer from back pain, it becomes difficult for me to stand or sit for long time. I am afraid if the condition is getting worst, you know that I may be scared too much then required!!
BTW.. can you explain me what does my report actually means? Is it a severe problem?

Appreciate your quick response.

Thanks.
ANSWER: The report states that the majority of your spine is doing great.  Even in the low back area, the problem is bulges in the disk pressing against the membrane surrounding spinal cord and coming close to a nerve in your low back.  It's not a broken vertebra or a torn disk.

The report does not say that the condition is severe. With continued exercise, you should do very well.  It does take time, however.  Try some good, slow stretching to help loosen the tense muscles in the area as well.

Thank you for your follow-up question, Hitesh.  I hope that my answer was helpful.

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QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice. The major problem I have is with nerve tingling in my left leg, I have found a chiropractors in my area and will consult him about it. By the way, is it ok to sit, stand or walk continously for long hours? These are the three thing that causes me lots of problem.
I highly appreciate your inputs. Take Care.

ANSWER: I don't think that you are causing any additional damage but I recommend changing positions and taking breaks to stretch to help reduce the pain.

Thank you for your follow-up question, Hitesh.  I hope that my answer was helpful.

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QUESTION: Hello, could you please let me know the answers to the following questions.
1) My report says that there is a disc dehydration at L5-S1. Now, is it possible to hydrate the disc again? OR the only thing is to protect the disc from further dehydration?
2) My report also says that i have disc bulges from L3 to L5, can a disc bulge be identified in an MRI scan? And can this bulges be cured completely?

Thanks..

Answer
Disc dehydration is part of the normal disc degeneration with age.  When we are born, the disc is made up of about 80% water, which gives it its spongy quality and allows it to function as a shock absorber. As we age, the water content decreases and the disc becomes less capable of acting as a shock absorber.  This is part of aging and can be slowed by increasing your water intake.  Water helps keep all your joints better lubricated and all your tissues more hydrated.

With MRI technology, good anatomical detail of the disc can be seen and then related with the individual抯 back pain.  The bulges can be healed with the appropriate therapies, whether it's exercise, stretching, physical therapy, massage, manipulation, or surgery.  Each approach is specific for certain degrees of individual degeneration.

Thank you for your follow-up question, Hitesh.  I hope that my answer was helpful.