I am 18 yrs old. i have a congenitaly narrow spinal canal with 3 buldging disc.(l3-4, l4-5) i already seen a spine specialist. doesn't recommend surgery because he's not sure i would get positive results. i have done pt , chiropractor, nothing worked. eve

What are symptoms: Just because you have a small canal does not necessarily mean this is the cause of your back pain. Also, disc bulges are not symptomatic but normal findings on imaging studies. If your pain is arising from multiple disc levels, there is a lower success of spine surgery. Other factors that may also hinder a good result include smoking and obesity as well as being deconditioned or out of shape.

Question?: I suppose you want to know what to do. A second opinion is always useful. But if you don't have pain or the pain is recent in onset or comes and goes the literature says to wait it out for at least a year or 2 and you may improve w/o the need for surgery.

Agree: Unless it's absolutely necessary stay away from spinal surgery. Work on flexibility, core muscles, keep weight controlled.

What are symptoms: Just because you have a small canal does not necessarily mean this is the cause of your back pain. Also, disc bulges are not symptomatic but normal findings on imaging studies. If your pain is arising from multiple disc levels, there is a lower success of spine surgery. Other factors that may also hinder a good result include smoking and obesity as well as being deconditioned or out of shape.

Get a second : Opinion. If the second doctor doesn't think surgery is a good idea, consult with a pain management specialist.

What are symptoms: Just because you have a small canal does not necessarily mean this is the cause of your back pain. Also, disc bulges are not symptomatic but normal findings on imaging studies. If your pain is arising from multiple disc levels, there is a lower success of spine surgery. Other factors that may also hinder a good result include smoking and obesity as well as being deconditioned or out of shape.

2nd Opinion: You'll probably need to get clarity and confirmation from other providers (neurosurgeons and/or orthopedic spine surgeons) about the reasons why an 18 actually has multi-level disc disease and might not respond well to surgical intervention.