MRI- When Do You Need Surgery?
a and b degenerative changes may or may not be associated with pain. Even if they do, they are to be treated with exercise or exercise + behavior therapy.
When there is severe disc collapse (c), and/or severe nerve compression, associated with corresponding leg pain/numbness/tingling, a trial of exercise therapy or injections+ exercise therapy may be tried. If there is no improvement, or if there is severe or progressive nerve exam abnormality, disc surgery may be done.
If there is significant instability of the spine, or there is severe or progressive weakness or other abnormalities on nerve exam, major stabilization surgery may be needed
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