My doctor recently said that my discs : L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1
showed decreased T2 signals. I have no idea what this means, but could it mean that I have Degenerative Disc Disease?

How can this happen, my back was fine up until the injury last year.

Also there is no sign of abnormal disc sizes. The only moderate pain I have is on the lower left part of the spine.

I only ask this because he mentioned something about disc surgery and/or fusion. I find it disturbing that he didnt mention any alternatives to surgery, except for me to get a disco.

Hi dunkinuts,

I do believe that loss of the T 2 signal does mean DDD. Basically what your dr. is saying it that there is a now a reason for your dicogenic pain, and that the discogram will show exactly which one or all, are causing your pain.

For DDD and unstabilization a fusion would help tremendously. However, I would ask if the ddd is at a stage where only fusion would help and the less invasive treatments wouldn't. Ask him/her to show you on the films what their seeing and explain it to you.

For your on peace of mind regarding surgery, get another opinion, but please make sure that he/she is a spinal specialist, only working on the spine.

Take care and I hope you can get the answers that your looking for.