i am a 35 year old female.i have had back problems since the fall of 2001.i have had 2 mri done since may 2005. the first dated may 21,2005 reads:at L4-L5 the is a midline broad-based disc hernation slightly eccentric to the left.there is flattening of both L5 nerve roots.there is also ligamentous thickening contributing to the findings.moderate narrowing of the canal,moderate-to-severe narrowing of the left lateral recess,moderate narrowing of the right lateral recess present. the 2nd mri dated oct.12,2006 reads:the axial images obtained from L2-L3 through L5-S1.The conus medullaris appears to terminate at approimately upper L1,but it is not included in the axial images. L4-L5: herniated nucleus pulposus in the central and left froaminal zone.it is indenting the thecal sac and causing severe left-sided neuroforaminal stenosis with contact of the nerve root. central disk herniation at L4-L5.this is effacing the thecal sac.the herniation does extend into the left foraminal zone.it is causing severe left-sided neuroforaminal narrowing. i have taken muscle relaxer,pain medication tried to exercise but its hard to do.i recently seen a neurosurgen who said stop smoking and exercise.thats all.then left. my question is what should i do now?what else can be done to help my back problems.the is around the clock pain with pain and numbness in my left leg and occassionally my right leg.i feels as though its starting to effect the middle and right side of my back now. what other steps should be taken to try to correct my problems? any help will be appreciated.

Hi Melody

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain.
I have been suffering back problems for the last 15 months an had a herniated disc at L4 which sent pain shooting down my leg to my foot an some numbness.
I had 3 months of pyshio an what eventually worked to get rid of my leg pain was afew sessions of acupunture.


Best wishes

See another dr pronto!! If I were you, I'd have surgery to remove the extruding disc material. In fact, I've had that surgery and would do it again if needed. I don't think you're gonna get much relief until you do, but I could be wrong. You definitely need to see another surgeon, though. I'm sorry you're having to go thru this. :(

Melody,

How long has the sciatica pain bothering you. If it's that painful and it's over a year. You should have done the surgery already. Why wait with the pain? Some people don't know the extend of the pain until they actually feel it themdself. I too had herniated disc at L4l5. I had pain on and off for about a year. People giving me hey do surgery...do the surgery or it's not good for u and all that bs.. until I finally have to go thru the microd surgery. I am currently 2 weeks post-op and feeling very happy and pain-free only at night when I do feel a little light shock at the hip area from lying in bed. From a scale of 1-10. my pain is now 1 down from a 8. but to let u know you should do a good neurosurgeon who is or someone you know already he/she already is better than just finding someone off the internet.

I would see a spine specialist! They work with the spine 100% of the time unlike neurosurgeons...ans then go from there!
Take Care!

I would get a second opinion, but you also need to do one thing the doctor said to you. Quit Smoking. Not an easy thing to do, especially during stressful times like this. Many spine surgeons will not want perform surgery to patients that smoke, especially fusion surgery. Smoking is said to be linked to failed fusion surgery.

Smoking is a major contributor to back pain sufferers as it severly reduces the amount of oxygen to this part of the body.

Just my 2 cents to throw into the basket. Take care. Tammy:wave: