Question: In 2013 I had a spinal fusion on L4-L5. Since then I have had severe lower back pain sometimes crippling, I can't do normal everyday activities. I recently had an MRI and this is the results.



L1-L2 Small posterior disc ostephyte complex without central canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.

L2-L3 2mm retrolisthesis of L2 on L3, with small posterior disc bulge. No central canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing. Mild bilateral facet arthosis and small bilateral facet joint effusions.

L3-L4 Small posterior disc bulge and mild bilateral facet and ligamentous hypertrophy.

L4-L5 No recurrent or residual central canal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing after discectomy and posterior fusion.

L5-S1 Small posterior disc bulge extending toward the neural foramina. No central canal stenosis. Mild right neural foraminal narrowing.



My doctor says she can't tell a definitative reason for my back pain. My pain is around the L5-S1. I can't walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. I can't stand for more than 10 minutes. Household chores like sweeping and vacuuming brings pain that I can't do anything for a couple of days. So what does all this mean?

Is it fixable? my family has a history of degenerative disc disorder. my mother is almost paralyzed shes in a wheelchair. My fear is I will end up like her. what am I looking at? Please tell me why can't do normal everyday things. Its been 2 years now. I thought the spinal fusion would help seems like it didn't.