Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have just had an mri scan which i would appreciate your help understanding mechanical left lateral recess stenosis due to left paracentral disc extrusion at L5 S1 with impingement of the traversing S1 nerve root . Annular disc bulge at L4-L5 . I have had symptoms for 9 months slow onset, I have had a caudal epidural and currently take gabapentin for neuropathic pain (pressure, heaviness up back). I have altered sensation in seat area, scatica (no longer painful altered sensation) and sitting ot walking a distance are problematic for me. I have been offered another epidural or surgery after a 1 month further increase in medication. Is this scan result minor or a concern, should I just continue, I am struggling to work Thanks
[|AI|]  Hi All, If your symptoms are sciatica on the left side, it corresponds with your MRI scan and the operation has a statistically greater probability of giving you good relief of the sciatica. In fact, in studies it has been proved that the major benefit from surgery is early return to work. However, the choices on the table include surgery, interventional pain procedures like the epidural or continuing with painkillers etc. In the long term, none of these 3 choices have a particular advantage over the other. So you'll need to think through the pros and cons of all the options and choose what's best in your specific situation.  Hope this helps