I recently had an mri these are the results. focal right sided disc
protrustion/ herniation c5-6 level.   mild disc bulging at the c6-7
level.   degenerative changes seen most prominently at l5-s1 level. 
there is asymmetric right-sided findings with asymmetric disc bulging
and end plate spurring noted.  degenerative changes at this level
produce moderate impression upon the central canal.   facet
degenerative changes are also seen.  There is some underlying right
sided asymmetry also suggested at this level.  There is no evidence of
significant central canal stenosis at this level, however, moderate
neural foraminal impression is suggested related to changes seen
bilateraly.  at l4-5 level, there is evidence of disc bulging and
facet degenerative changes producing mild impression upop the central
canal.  correlation with clinical symtomotology is recommended..  I 
was is by I car as a pedestrial on the left side of my body.  I NEVER
had pain before.  Now I have arthritis in my neck and low back. 
Constant muscle spasm in upper back.  Drs. dont want to treat the
discs, they have me on anti inflamatory, vicadin and topamax for
migranes and tell me i will be in pain for the rest of my life.  My
neck hurts every day.  cartilage in chest bone hurts when I raise both
arms above head.  HELP.  some days I am in so much pain all i can do
is cry.  what test can be done to tell what exactly is wrong.  I am
tired of hearing that i am going to be in paing for the rest of my
life and I am just going to have to cope with it.

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Clarification of Question by slimshdi-ga on 24 Apr 2004 22:46 PDT

How can I get an actual diagnosis instead of, your going to be in pain
for the reast of your life there is nothing we can do?  Why do I still
have muscle spasm afer 1 1/2 years?

Hi, Slimshdi

Please let us know your sex and age.

Many thanks!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a health professional and I'm not
suggesting that any of what I'm going to tell you is going to fix your
back. What I do believe, however, is that you can really help your
body to heal itself as much as possible and reduce your pain by
nourishing it properly.

If I was in your situation, without hesitation, I would immediately
increase my water intake (at least 8 glasses of fresh, pure water per
day) and make sure I had a good supplementation of magnesium (amongst
other things, it is a natural muscle relaxant and helps reduce muscle
spasms: have a look at the fibromyalgia notes on this page, which are
pertinent in your situation due to your pain levels:
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/onemed/content/0,7064,241012_248627,00.html),
the B group vitamins and, my personal life-saver, cold pressed flax
seed oil (which is earning a reputation as a help with reducing pain
and inflammation: http://ga.essortment.com/whatisflaxsee_pfy.htm).

Consider going to see a naturopath (a reputable one) and see if he or
she can offer some advice. All this can be done in conjunction with
anything your doctors are suggesting (but tell them, of course, to
avoid any conflicts with medications). I also went to a Feldenkrais
practitioner which is a very gentle, non invasive modality. I
sincerely hope your pain levels reduce and that your life become
easier. Very best wishes...

female, age 37.