Pain in the buttocks and legs. Disc protrusion and annular tear in the MRI. Need surgery?
Patient: Do i need surgery? I have been having terrible pain and can't feel my buttocks sharp pain in legs. Had MRI and central disc protrusion with superimposed annular tear at the L4-L5 level leads to mild effacement of ventral thecal sac. Mild bilateral neuroforaminal encroachment at this level. Small central disc protrusion with superimposed annular tear at the L1-L2 level. Doctor: Hi, Your symptoms are suggestive of bilateral sciatica.MRI explains the cause for it.This due to disc prolapse as you have mentioned.You need evaluation by Neurolgist for same.Symtoms can be releived with neuralgic drugs like pregabalin 75mg twice daily along with amitryptilline combination You require rest for next 2 weeks and Lumbo sacral belt for next 3 months.Avoid lifting heavy weight objects and avoid bending forward.You also require short course of pain killers, and calcium supplementation.If your symtoms are not relived by medical treatment as mentioned above (8 weeks of treatment)or you develop any weekness of limbs then surgery is indicated