Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] good afternoon, i have had 3 back surgeries last one resulting in a L5-S1 fusion, i am now experienceing left leg numbness from knee down. had an MRI and it shows severe moderate protrusion with L5 nerve root displacement. is this potentially causing nerve damage / is surgery my only option? I see a surgeon next week just preparing myself
[|AI|]  I read your question carefully, and I understand your concern. Unfortunately fusion while it may improve the symptoms on that level doesn't help with other levels, it can even accelerate their damage because the reduced mobility in L5-S1 after the fusion adds the strain on L4-L5. Hence, it is not to be surprised to have protrusion on L4-L5 with displacement of L5 root. It does justify your symptoms, although to be sure about that an exam is needed (reflexes, muscle weakness, numbness location) to confirm symptoms correspond to that root and not to remains of old problem. As for remedy usually it is attempted with physical therapy and painkillers, local injections can temporarily help as well. If those are ineffective and symptoms persist surgery can be considered again. I hope things work out for the best.