--as I discussed some time ago--that it is quite likely that Alan is "co-morbid". He's got symtpoms that may be from two seperate causes--a possible autoimmune attack on some of his peripehrla nerves AND some issues with compression of nerve roots or spine in his lower back--and the effects may be additive, given the possibility of the "double crush hypothesis".

This is certainly consistent with the type of relief he's gotten over the years through neurological chiropractic and massage--enough pressure was taken off to reduce his symptoms--and with his other autoimmune situations. And to get enhanced neural symptoms from more than one insult to the nerves, once there is damage, is not uncommon--diabetics have this happen all the time. (Once there is some sort of damage to anerve, it is much more prone to compressive effects than an uncompromised, "normal" nerve would be.)

Given the area that the MRI is from (lower back), my sense is that if there really was major compromise from the oesteophytic complexes in that area, Alan would be showing more symptoms, especially if the cauda equina was involved--including possible motor and excretory difficulties. But, as Mrs. D notes, symptoms from spinal problems are notorious for not matching up with the MRI pictures--plenty of people have major symptonms with normal looking MRI's, and many with really complicated MRI's have little or on symptoms.

In any case, I'm glad you're getting additional medical opinions (and if you need them, I've got other people who can be consulted).