Question 1

disc space between l5-s1 is reduced is there any problem?

Accepted Answer

: Not unusual over time to experience wear and tear of intervertebral discs, associated with desiccation and small tears in the annulus fibrosis.  This is reflected in imaging demonstrating the narrowing.  This may or may not be associated with pain and stiffness.  Physical therapy and exercise might be indicated.

Question 2

if i had a fusion of l4-s1 with a spacer at l4/5, why would my most recent mri say that there is disc-desiccation and at l5/s1 also a disc protrusion?

Accepted Answer

Adjacent degeneratio: Because of the fusion there is more stress on the docs above and below leading to their degeneration like narrowing, bulging or herniation.However some people  can get degenerative discs  adjacent to another abnormal disc just spontaneously.

Question 3

had l5-s1 tlif. now numbness in left leg.developed searing pain in leg, weakness and foot drop. ct and mri read  leftward positioning of the l5-s1 intervertebral disc spacer, which encroaches into left neural forman. does this mean another surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sounds  likely: if the device has shifted, injections might be tried first. Be sure to discuss options with your surgeon.

Question 4

my l4 l5 discs have small bulge without significant compression. l5 s1 has reduced disc space and bilateral sacrelization of l5. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Nothing: Research has shown that the findings on imaging studies do not correlate all the time with patient symptoms.  If you have no problems then don't worry about it.

If you have back pain, it is more likely to be associated with muscle strain than the bulging disc.

Sacralization is common on of no real signficance.

Question 5

i have pain in lower back. x-ray reports lumbar lordosis reduced. minimal reduction in l4-l5 & l5-s1 disc space. pl advice cause, medicine, exercise.

Accepted Answer

Exercise: Low back pain is one of the most common complaints in medicine and the findings on your xray are seen in patients with NO BACK pain as often as those with pain. The most important advice I can give you is EXERCISE! STRENGTHEN THOSE BACK MUSCLES and you will feel better. Your Primary Care Provider can provide you with these exercises Goods Luck Be Well!
Hope this helps

Dr Z

Question 6

i got serve back pain , the report says that there is a reduced disc space between l5-s1 level and loss of lumbar lordosis due to back muscle spasm?

Accepted Answer

May be better choice: Taking narcotics for acute pain is not "bad".  There may be better choices, though.  2 vicodins contains up to 1000 mg of tylenol (acetaminophen) so you have to be careful not to exceed 3000 mg per day for nl adult size.  It also has hydrocodone which is possibly addicting.  Try regular tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.  You may also benefit from a Medrol dose pack.  Talk to your doctor who knows your history and your exam.

Question 7

had disk fusion l4, l5-s1 2 yrs ago, having on and off urinary retention now urologist can't find reason, mri says severe narrowing disc space l5-s1??

Accepted Answer

Get second opinion: Your back problems are quite unlikely to be cause of intermittent urinary retention, and would suggest seeing a urologist who is affiliated with a local medical school, but would not hesitate to have a neurologist assess your issues in addition.

Question 8

loss of disc space l5-s1, left leg numbness. waist trainer help ease pain? mri done yesterday so waiting for spine doctor to call for follow up. friend recommended waist trainer to help with posture and ease pain. also how should i be stretching?

Accepted Answer

Left leg numbness: Sounds like the nerve may be impinged upon. Physical therapy is warranted to teach you the right exercises to ease your pain. Of course wait for the MRI results before embarking on any aggressive therapy so you do not do more harm.

Question 9

findings: mild anterior osteophytosis noted. mild disc space narrowing at l5-s1. conclusion: degenerative disc desease. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Little : As our radiology colleagues love to say, "clinical correlation is recommended"; not knowing what your symptoms or physical exam is like, these results don't mean much. Regardless, do take actions to help decelerate progression of your ddd.

Question 10

i have an apparent disc space narrowing in my l5/s1. i was advised that i need to go for an operation as i cant move without support of a crutch.

Accepted Answer

Back problems : Loss of the L5/S1 disc space is extremely common and exists with different degrees. I have seen thousands of people with it, and the vast majority have productive lives. Why are you using crutches?  Much more information is needed. I suggest that if you are using crutches that only an in-person evaluation would provide the best answer.

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Doctor answers about:

Disc space l5 s1 is reduced

A member asked:

Disc space between l5-s1 is reduced is there any problem?

A member asked:

If i had a fusion of l4-s1 with a spacer at l4/5, why would my most recent mri say that there is disc-desiccation and at l5/s1 also a disc protrusion?

A member asked:

Had l5-s1 tlif. now numbness in left leg.developed searing pain in leg, weakness and foot drop. ct and mri read leftward positioning of the l5-s1 intervertebral disc spacer, which encroaches into left neural forman. does this mean another surgery?

A member asked:

My l4 l5 discs have small bulge without significant compression. l5 s1 has reduced disc space and bilateral sacrelization of l5. what should i do?

A member asked:

I have pain in lower back. x-ray reports lumbar lordosis reduced. minimal reduction in l4-l5 & l5-s1 disc space. pl advice cause, medicine, exercise.

A member asked:

I got serve back pain , the report says that there is a reduced disc space between l5-s1 level and loss of lumbar lordosis due to back muscle spasm?

A member asked:

Had disk fusion l4, l5-s1 2 yrs ago, having on and off urinary retention now urologist can't find reason, mri says severe narrowing disc space l5-s1??

A member asked:

Loss of disc space l5-s1, left leg numbness. waist trainer help ease pain? mri done yesterday so waiting for spine doctor to call for follow up. friend recommended waist trainer to help with posture and ease pain. also how should i be stretching?

A member asked:

Findings: mild anterior osteophytosis noted. mild disc space narrowing at l5-s1. conclusion: degenerative disc desease. what does this mean?

A member asked:

I have an apparent disc space narrowing in my l5/s1. i was advised that i need to go for an operation as i cant move without support of a crutch.

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