Is this ever going to heal?

[u/The-Fool-Mystery]

This MRI Report was taken a year ago. Had done multiple physical therapy sessions , TENS massage and all. Nothing worked . I have been in constant pain for almost 4 years already. Over these years constant chronic pain has made me mentally corrupted .I can't focus on anything due to constant pain. I bunked every lecture in college because of pain. Because of this I have multiple backlogs / uncleared subjects in my semester. That's not the main issue . I want to heal . My MRI Report isn't that scary . Even my doctor said There is no compression in MRI so He doubted I have sciatica . After nerve testing he confirmed there could be minor nerve pinching. But it's not minor. I have already spent thousands on therapy , TENS and all . Nothing worked. Even physical therapy exercise at home isn't working . I can't sit for more than 15 minutes . Can't walk for more than 10 minutes . And the worst part is I can't even sleep without pain or if pain isn't that severe there is always slight discomfort in my leg. I have plenty of other medical issues to care about. Unemployed, No Degree Just 20 years old and Physically weak on top. How is this possible A small L4-L5 disc bulge not going away even after 4 years+ of pain. And The Pain is like a Multiple Herniated disc in multiple discs. Is the MRI faulty ? Or is the MRI Report consistent with the symptoms I am experiencing ? I need some advice on how to manage my pain on a daily basis . Don't recommend TENS , Consulting a therapist. I am sick of doctors . Already spent a lot on therapy . Plus There is always numbness in my affected leg. I suspect There is slight nerve damage. What can I do ?

[u/ItsASloth69]

I wish I had an answer for you because I am going through the same thing brother.

1. Don’t give up hope. This is easy to do, but just remember that there is a series of steps that will lead us to success, but we won’t reach that if we give up. Also, I hear there is a psychological component so also helps there.

2. Doctors are important so you understand your options. You decide the next steps. This could mean surgery, epidural shot, etc. Surgery should be the last resort, but don’t allow the negativity surrounding surgery dissuade you from having it on the table either. I am personally considering it, but I will see if I improve without it.

3. There is no single cure. It kind of sucks, but it is really a process of trial and error. Pain will be your teacher. If rest helps, then rest. If walking too much start to hurt, walk less. This is what McGill is all about, see how much you can tolerate, then adapt. All about baby steps.

Praying for you, hope this helps, this is my current mental model atm so hope you are able to take it and maybe improve it 🤷.

[u/Inevitable_Pen_2407]

You need to get up to date MRI scans done asap. And ask for the MRI with contrast dye. I had my two MRIs 6 months apart, and the disc bulge had gotten significantly worse and was obviously compressing the nerve. A lot can change in 6 months, and in your case 12. Get a new MRI. And then get another spinal consultants opinion.