Quote:
Originally Posted by Brambledog
At L5-S1, disc narrow and dehydrated.
Modic type 2 endplate spinal change (in the two vertebrae).
Left paracentral disc protrusion displacing the transversing left S1 nerve root posteriorly.
Swelling of left S1 nerve root ganglion.
Basically I have a slipped disc of some type (herniated? Protruding? Prolapsed?) and type 2 modic changes. Modic changes are a change in the bone structure of the two vertebrae, replacing healthy bone marrow with infected fluid. There are 3 types, 1 is worst. Treatment is tricky, experimental and confused.
I have to wait now (of course  ) to see a spinal specialist, but will see the physio next week. Obviously with the CRPS everything is complicated, so I'd really like any advice or thoughts from those with experience of spine problems themselves, or knowledge of correct treatment protocol I should expect. I've had my share of treatment that turned out to be wrong in the end, and I don't want to risk making this worse now...
The pain is variable. Overall I think it's improved from the early days that got me on the morphine hell-ride in the first place. I'm just taking paracetemol now, because I want to know if I aggravate it, not do more damage by doing any old thing in a drugged out haze. Mornings are worst, mentally and physically, afternoons probably better. Evenings uncomfortable. I struggle to settle down in any position, so I alternate between standing and walking, sitting and lying down. By night I'm knackered and strangely I'm sleeping ok.
Any ideas on stretches, exercises, positions etc would be very welcome. I'm walking as much as I can, which isn't much at any one time lol.
Thanks guys. Hope you're doing ok today.
Bram  |
Hey Bram,
I'm so sorry you are suffering from horrible back pain in addition to what CRPS throws at you!
Obviously I am not a doctor but from my experience with my own issues this is what I get out of your MRI. I wanted to ask if this was the all that was written in the 'impression' section at the end of your report?
It looks like you have degenerative disc disease. The disc narrowing and dehydration is a common finding with that as is other findings on your report.
The modic type 2 changes are most likely a result of the acute inflammatory response to the DDD.
The protrusion on the left is most likely leaking the center disc material (nucleus pulposus) out onto your left S1 nerve root causing the swelling/inflammation around that nerve - that would cause pain down your leg in the form of 'radiculopathy'.
As far as what to do - Pool walking would be the best and least painful for you, I would think. I would caution PT until after you see the spine doctor, they would likely write the best PT order for you. Keeping really hydrated is really important for the spine when we are short on fluids our bodies pull it from the least important areas first.. one of those areas is our discs that hold an enormous amount of water and aren't needed to support life. I'm not saying that is the cause of your disc dehydration just mentioning it because it was shared with me along the journey with back pain.
I really hope things calm down without the need for surgical intervention!!
Take care,
Tessa