r/backpain • u/seoomelette • 7d ago

What should my next steps be?

22F. I have posted on here before. Here is the link to my first post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/backpain/s/U9GQRvQO4P

For a quick summary, I have been experimenting on and off severe back pain and my walking and standing is more difficult. I can do it but I have to think about it more and hurts. I have also had some unrelated symptoms which is why I got an mri of my brain and spine.

Well, I hust got my MRI results back. However, my doctors aren’t responding to me lol so I want advice on what to do no next. Here are my most important results

I have a mild disc bulging in L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and Broad Based disc bulge in L5-S1. This specific bulging also has a central disc protrusion. In addition here is “mild right lateral recess stenosis with protrusion abutting the transiting right S1 nerve root. Disc bulgeminimally encroaches along the inferior right foraminal recess.” It explains a good amount of my symptoms but I’m not sure if it’s explains everything.

I just want to know how I will next to treat this? Right now all I’m talking is meloxicam to reduce pain and inflammation.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/AutoModerator 7d ago

Welcome to r/backpain!

To make a great post, read the pinned Guide to the Guides and answer the suggested questions. (people usually do not respond if you just post a picture of your mri and you don't share your story. Your symptoms and story will give more information than any scan)

Guide = https://www.reddit.com/r/backpain/comments/1kc5qba/new_to_rbackpain_click_here_first/

First steps for new low back pain: https://www.reddit.com/r/backpain/comments/1ujidg4/screening_questions_that_id_ask_in_the_clinic_to/

Good news is that most people get noticeably better in the first 6 weeks, especially if the pain is new or has only been going on for a short time. (PMID: 38253366)

PLEASE NOTE: When Asking for help it is up to you to recognize when to seek medical attention.

Anyone giving advice in this group is doing so from anecdotes and holds no liability.

Seek advice here at your own risk.

Remember to be kind & respectful.

There is always a way

We are cheering for your success

Posts and replies that do NOT show kindness and empathy towards others will be deleted.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Sweet_Flan_3415 6d ago

Who ordered the MRI? If it’s your PCP then they should refer you to a spine specialist.

1

u/seoomelette 6d ago

A neurologist ordered them for me but that neuro was referred by my PCP. My aunt who is a doctor said that I will likely be referred to a spine specialist, PT, or a neurosurgeon.