<human>: MRI results from 4/27/10 female 46 very active, golf, excerise, etc. Degenerative bone disease first C4-5 fusion 24 yrs old, 2nd 5-6 fusion 45 yrs old. MRI stated L4-5 disk desication w/slight loss of disk space height & minimal generalized posterior disk bulge, mild dengenerative facet changed bilaterly. Corresponding posterior ligamentous hypertrophy noted within spinal canal.  At L5-S1 there is disk desiccation with significant loss of disk space height, no stenosis or foraminal stenosis. Small posterior midline annular fissure. Impression: Mild degenerative disk disease without evidence of spinal stenosis, forminal stenosis or dir neural impingement. 2) small anular fissure st posterior midline L5-S1.  Had anesthia along with steroid injection 16 mths ago.  relief for aprox. 12 mths, pain is back worst than ever, standing in one place too long and driving/riding in car sets it off, pain runs down right leg.  Ortho surgeon suggest I get discogram, I want to know is that the right way to go. I do yoga, lite weight strenghtening, up to 4 Loritab/ 4 robaxin, meds do not work anymore, tired of taking them.  I get a massage every other week, temporary relief, pain comes right back.  What do you suggest next step to be?
<bot>: Hi. Thank you for using Chat Doctor. First is all I advise you not to undergo disco gram as it is not being done these days. Numbers indicates you are having some amount of nerve root compression. Since your symptoms are recurring, and it is high time you consider surgical treatment. So please consult a neurosurgeon and show him the MRI and discuss if there is any need for discectomy and decompression.