Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hi Doctor Rynne, I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease almost 4 yrs. ago. Two weeks ago I got up and could barely stand the pain in my lower back. I could not pinpoint any circumstance the previous day/week to explain this. The pain is constant,throbbing [at times] and actually shoots down from my buttocks to my ankles! I injured my back in 2013,with the M.R.I. showing 2 bulging and 2 herniated disks in the lumbar region. WHAT NOW? Should I expect ANY improvement? I am 50 yrs. old,and am a blue collar worker....WAS,anyway...
[|AI|]  Hello, In degenerative disc disease, unfortunately, the discs become worse by the passing of the time. The back pain and the radiation to your ankles probably come because of the herniated discs in the lumbar area. You should consult a neurosurgeon over this case to see what your next step is and if you need an operation or not. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.