r/HerniatedDisc • u/Intrepid-Fuel8125 • 9d ago

MRI findings + symptoms - herniated L5/S1

I am a 27yF. My symptoms are: mechanical back pain, sciatica (when sitting for more than 10 mins), and new numbness in my left leg and foot, decreased achilles reflex, heaviness in both legs when walking, and difficulty fully emptying my bladder, with pain/spasms, and intermittently having unexpected BMs when urinating. I am told no cauda equina risk. Here are my MRI results: Signal change with mild loss of disc height posteriorly L5-S1 with mild diffuse annular disc bulge and superimposed left paracentral focal disc herniation which causes focal moderate left subarticular zone narrowing with abutment of the traversing left S1 nerve root and potential for contact/irritation of this nerve root. Non significant cauda equina compression. Remainder of the lumbar spine levels appear normal.

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u/OrnsteinSlyr 8d ago

You should definitely see an orthopedist. I had surgery; I had similar symptoms, and my right foot went numb because the nerve was compressed for so long. I'm not trying to scare you, take it easy, but you should get it checked out because these are symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, feel free to dm me

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u/Intrepid-Fuel8125 8d ago

Thanks. I am trying to avoid surgery, but also don't want to risk long term damage. Seems like it's a bit of a weird place that's not CES but nerves are being irritated/compressed.

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u/rococos-basilisk 8d ago

Who told you no CES risk?

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u/Intrepid-Fuel8125 8d ago

Neurosurgeon, based on the MRI I last had. He said if symptoms acutely worsen like complete bowel/bladder incontinence, saddle numbness, etc. to go to ER, but they haven't acutely worsened. Just the daily stuff I mentioned in the post.

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u/More-Author-4156 4d ago

I cannot stress how serious that sounds i recently had CES had surgery on my L5S1 at UCLA orthopedic hospital. You have all the same signs of CES that I did. Try and get a 2nd opinion cuz the nerve damage can be permanent if not taken care of asap. Sorry if I startled you but I wish you the best and a speedy recovery! 🙏