[Maria]

I've had that has been identified since the mid 90's at L3 and had 3 discograms done between 2001-2005. Had discectomies at L4 and L5S1 in late 80's and early 90's and later around 2001 was looking into ADR. Recomemndations were to do ADR on L4 and L5S1 in 2003 (didn't do it) and then in 2005 to have ADR at L4 and fusion at L5S1 (didn't do it either). Basically pain lessened to the point I didn't feel like having more surgery.

My L3 annular tear showed a disrupted disc but not enough for replacement re ADR. Not sure that would have been the case w/fusion.

Has anyone recommended Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks (not sure if either are appropriate tho just wondering) I had them 3x/year for about 10 years and got great relief but had much more back pain than leg pain.

I think it's more common for annular tears at L5S1 to progress and become more problematic than at L3. Most of my ESIs were aimed at L4 and L5S1 as did one I think at L3 and it didn't help w/pain at all so discograms must have been right on re identifying pain generating disc levels.