MRI shows acute annular tear, disc protrusion indenting thecal sac, contracting bilateral traversing s1 root. Serious?
Patient: my mri report says that I have an acute annular tear at l5-s1 disc posteriorly towards right. posterocentral disc protrusion at l5-s1 level indenting thecal sac and contracting bilateral traversing s1 root. How serious is that since the pain is still there after 10 sessions of traction in physiotherapy and what is the cure Doctor: Hello,  I have noted the MRI data  If the pain is still persisting despite physiotherapy, you can visit your neurologist and get evaluated. This is especially to look for the signs of nerve root compression that is is being described in MRI. If there are no clinical signs of nerve root compression, i feel that you can still continue conservative treatment with medicines like Gabapentine, pregabaline. Surgery  should not be done for pain alone. But if all conservative treatment fails you may opt for surgical management. This is nothing serious. There are options available to deal the problem.  Just don't worry and get reevaluated as i discussed  Best wishes