My ultimate correct diagnosis was a cluster of a few interrelated issues. Bilateral defects in the pars interarticularis around L4-L5 led to chronic degenerative changes at that level as well as a grade one spondylolisthesis. This was coupled with sclerotic changes in a spinal canal that was congenitally narrow leading to impingement.
My earlier incorrect diagnoses included many of the usual suspects. Bulging disc, piriformis muscle entrapment/impingement, muscle strain, somatization etc.
Treatments attempted included injections, muscle relaxers, tens unit, NSAIDS, opioids, PT, and other things like spinal cord stimulators were recommended but not implemented.
2011 and 2013 fusion, laminectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, placement of hardware.
And the story has a happy ending. Scuba, hiking, touring all successfully re-integrated into life. Hopefully it will last a lifetime but all this taught me that every pain free day is gravy.
My earlier incorrect diagnoses included many of the usual suspects. Bulging disc, piriformis muscle entrapment/impingement, muscle strain, somatization etc.
Treatments attempted included injections, muscle relaxers, tens unit, NSAIDS, opioids, PT, and other things like spinal cord stimulators were recommended but not implemented.
2011 and 2013 fusion, laminectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, placement of hardware.
And the story has a happy ending. Scuba, hiking, touring all successfully re-integrated into life. Hopefully it will last a lifetime but all this taught me that every pain free day is gravy.