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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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MRI Shows Small Protrusion Of L3-4 Interv. Disc For Severe Pain In Lower Back, Numb Buttock And Leg. Can Travelling Be Harmful?

I have considerable lower back pain, also numbness in left buttocks and down left leg, girdling at the upper thigh. MRI shows "Small protrusiton of L3-4 interv. disc on left far laterally with annular fissuring fesulting in mild left neural foraminal narrowing with slight posterolateral displacement of the exiting l3 nerve root." Other mild bulges L4-5 w/ fissuring, and mild buldge L5-S1. 1) does this explain symptoms 2) I have a plane/car trip in 2 days lasting 8 hrs, then other travel. Will this be harmful?
posted on Mon, 25 Nov 2013
Twitter Mon, 25 Nov 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 25 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on
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Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Your MRI report does explain your symptoms. Travelling is possible providing you take certain measures to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
I suggest you ensure you take adequate supplies of your pain-killers. When on the plane take every opportunity to move about the cabin to avoid sitting in the same position for too long. Likewise, when travelling by car, try to make frequent stops so you can take a short walk to move your legs. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Have a good trip.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB. FRCA.
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MRI Shows Small Protrusion Of L3-4 Interv. Disc For Severe Pain In Lower Back, Numb Buttock And Leg. Can Travelling Be Harmful?

Hi, Your MRI report does explain your symptoms. Travelling is possible providing you take certain measures to make your journey as comfortable as possible. I suggest you ensure you take adequate supplies of your pain-killers. When on the plane take every opportunity to move about the cabin to avoid sitting in the same position for too long. Likewise, when travelling by car, try to make frequent stops so you can take a short walk to move your legs. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Have a good trip. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB. FRCA.