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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Moderate Dehydration At L4-L5 Disc Space Mean?

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can give me a second opinion on the results of an MRI scan i had done. I am a 22 yr old female, injured my back Dec. 2009 lifting boxes at work, been to chiro, physio for almost 6 months, had ct scan and xrays in june 2010 showed mild broad based disc bulge at l4-l5, l5-s1. Pain has been getting worse (numbness in feet, sever lower back, butt pain) and just had MRI done which shows annular tear at l4-l5 with a broad based right central and paracentral disc protrusion impinging onto right l5 nerve root. Also Moderate dehydration at l4-l5 disc space, and also mild disc buldge at l5-s1. Is surgery my next best step? I cant handle the pain any more (it feels like it has taken almost as much of a mental toll on me as it has physical, I'm not sleeping, I developed a stomach ulcer from prolonged use of NSAIDS, I am now on a nerve blocking medication and muscle relaxants but know they are only temporary. My main question is regarding the moderate dehydration at l4-l5 (what does that mean, is it abnormal for my age?) and also with this array of different issues do you think I would need more than 1 type of surgery? Or would surgery possibly on the protruding disc alleviate most my pain?
Wed, 3 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Welcome to Health care magic.

1.The disc is located between the vertebral bodies, serves as a shock-absorber effect for weight bearing and body movements. The disc contains a maximum amount of water % with in.
2.When these disc due to age related degenerative changes and excessive usage ( hard working with weight lifting job) gives loss of the water percentage is called dehydration, which is classified in to mild,moderate,severe. In your case its moderate.
3.When that happens the disc slips / herniates and causes pressure effect on the nerve and spinal chord, which is happened in you at multiple levels ( with this symptoms are seen)
4.GEnerally physiotherapy will be used initially - if docent works then operative procedure / interventional procedure is used as treatment.
5.Interventional is better i can suggest if you have tried rest all as its less invasive than the operative. Good luck.

Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health.
Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.
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What Does Moderate Dehydration At L4-L5 Disc Space Mean?

Welcome to Health care magic. 1.The disc is located between the vertebral bodies, serves as a shock-absorber effect for weight bearing and body movements. The disc contains a maximum amount of water % with in. 2.When these disc due to age related degenerative changes and excessive usage ( hard working with weight lifting job) gives loss of the water percentage is called dehydration, which is classified in to mild,moderate,severe. In your case its moderate. 3.When that happens the disc slips / herniates and causes pressure effect on the nerve and spinal chord, which is happened in you at multiple levels ( with this symptoms are seen) 4.GEnerally physiotherapy will be used initially - if docent works then operative procedure / interventional procedure is used as treatment. 5.Interventional is better i can suggest if you have tried rest all as its less invasive than the operative. Good luck. Hope it helps you. Wish you a good health. Anything to ask ? do not hesitate. Thank you.