25yr old w/lumbar herniations, degeneration, facet arthropathy

[usmc_tex]

I am 25 years old and have  herniated discs at L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1.  Mild efacement of the thecal sac at 2-3 3-4, moderate efacement at 4-5 and 5-1.  Degeneration at 5-1 and facet arthropathy at 2-3 3-4.  Back pain moderate to severe leg pain moderate to severe at buttock, thigh, and sometimes numbness in calf/shin.  Right greater tow numb for around 3 weeks now. 3 ESI's with moderate relief in leg pain for around 5 days with each procedure. Phys thereapy-not helpful, chiro-30 min relief, tramadol daily between 50 - 400 mg.  I am told I am a candidate for surgery and am now considering it.  Pain began 3yrs prior, worse for past 13 months with mild relief at best thus far with various treatments.  Should I consider surgery, and if so which procedure.  I have consults with ortho spine and neuro surgens soon.  Help!!!

[usmc_tex]

I have taken several NSAIDs for the past 6 months, recieved 3 epidural steroid injections, and been in phys therapy for around 5 months.  Surgical decompression = fusion? I am currently in pain management with pills ESIs and other crap with no improvement.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. The choices that you have with so many multiple disc lesions is NSAIDs and epidural steroid injections. physiotherapy would help and surgical decompression of the bulging discs is the definitive treatment. I suggest that you consult a pain physician and physiotherapist also before you agree for surgery. Also discuss the prognosis after surgery in detail with your surgeon.  Take care.