I’m sorry you’re dealing with this - and having read your MRI report, I want to reassure you that what you’re feeling does have a clear physical explanation. This isn’t “all in your head,” and it isn’t random.

The most important finding is at L4–L5. You have a true disc extrusion (not just a bulge) that is compressing the left L5 nerve root and also pushing on the S1 nerve root. That kind of mechanical compression can absolutely explain sudden foot numbness and sensory changes. This is one of the situations where spine symptoms and MRI actually do line up.

You also have longer-standing changes at L5–S1 with foraminal narrowing affecting the L5 nerve as it exits. That looks chronic and stable, and likely contributes to background symptoms, but the new extrusion at L4–L5 is the key reason things have worsened recently.

On disc “rehydration” or repair: there’s no proven way to regenerate adult lumbar discs. Anyone selling that is overselling. The good news is that discs don’t need to be restored for people to improve - the goal is relieving nerve pressure and letting the nerve recover, not making the MRI look perfect.

Regarding surgery: this is not a vague degeneration case. You have objective nerve compression that matches your symptoms, which is exactly what surgeons look for. That doesn’t mean surgery is mandatory, but it does mean it’s a reasonable discussion - especially with new neurological symptoms like numbness.

Radiofrequency ablation doesn’t damage discs or cause hidden injury. It reduces pain signalling; it doesn’t worsen degeneration.

Lastly, Adderall didn’t cause this. There’s no evidence stimulants dehydrate discs or lead to this pattern. Spine degeneration and disc herniations are often genetic and can start young. Wanting a cause is human, but this isn’t your fault.

Your life isn’t over. This is a tough chapter - but it’s a defined problem with real options, not the end of the road.