I’ve been coping with back pain since the autumn of 2024. In December, with the help of Doctor Google and Doctor YouTube, I diagnosed myself with Degenerative Disc Disease. In May of 2025, I finally got in to see a PCP who referred me first for an X-Ray and then a CT Scan. Below are the results.
6/10. I had an X-Ray. Bilateral spondylolysis at L5-S1 without a spondylolisthesis. Consider a CT
or MRI to increase sensitivity. A few days later, my PCP’s assistant called to tell me I had “severe arthritis of the spine” and that I should get a CT Scan.
6/23. I had a CT Scan. Findings:
There is no acute compression fracture.
At the level of L1-2 there is no significant disc bulge.
At the level of L2-3 there is a moderate diffuse disc bulge.
At the level of L3-4 there is a moderate diffuse disc bulge.
At the level of L4-5 there is a moderate central disc protrusion. There is
minimal facet joint hypertrophy.
At the level of L5-S1 there is 0.4 cm grade 1 spondylolisthesis. There is
bilateral spondylolysis of L5. There is uncovering and moderate central bulging of the
L5-S1 intervertebral disc.
Impression: Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 with bilateral spondylolysis of L5. Moderate
central disc protrusion at L4-5. Moderate disc bulges at L2-3 and L3-4.
A few days after my CT Scan my PCP’s assistant, sent me this message on behalf of my PCP: “let him know CT lumbar spine showed mild slippage of the L5-S1 vertebra and disc bulging. I recommend referral to neurosurgery.”
So that’s where I’m at. What I’d really like is a consultation by a qualified medical professional on what all of this means, what the treatment options are, and what the pros and cons of each option would be. That is what my Podiatrist did after he diagnosed me with Plantar Fasciitis many years ago. He presented three options: manage the pain with shoe inserts, have periodic injections or go under the knife. I chose shoe inserts and that’s been working for about two decades, now. I have messaged my PCP for more information on my back issue. In the meantime, I’ve reverted to Doctors Google and YouTube.
With Love,
P. Gustav Mueller, author of The Present