Quote:
Originally Posted by jenny8675309
Hi! I've been experiencing continued low back pain despite steroids and physical therapy for several months.
Findings:
There is no marrow edema. There is disc desiccation at L5 through S1 without loss of intervertebral disc space height. The conus is located at T12-L1 and is unremarkable. Parasagittal STIR imaging demonstrates no ligamentous disruption and no paraspinous muscle edema.
At L5-S1 there is a minimal broad-based disc protrusion. There is minimal facet hypertrophy. There is no central canal stenosis and no neural foraminal narrowing.
At L4-5 there is a tiny annular tear. There is a minimal broad-based disc protrusion. There is a small amount of fluid in bilateral facet joints. The pedicles are somewhat short. There is no frank central canal stenosis and no neural foraminal narrowing.
T12 through L4 are unremarkable.
IMPRESSION:
1. Mild degenerative changes at L4 through S1
2. No central canal stenosis, no neural foraminal narrowing
3. There is a minimal amount of fluid in bilateral facet joints at L4-5. This can be symptomatic in and of itself.
So... there it is... I'd really like to know what that all means - and HOW SERIOUS IS IT? I'm in a LOT of pain right now... and I dont feel like my DR has taken me seriously... any suggestions? Should I see a specialist? If so... what kind?
THANKS SOOOO MUCH!!
Any info is appreciated!
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Hi Jenny,
have no medical background but recognise some of your MRI report and can reassure on parts of it I hope. no stenosis is a big plus and also no foraminal narrowing (if either of these existed u would most likely have nerve pain) the slight tear in the disc can be extremely painful and disc can take up to 2 years to heal themselves - BUT they do heal. surgery is not necessary because of this and should be avoided unless ABSOLUTELY neccessary and with a number of similar opinions. one treatment that works very well for this is inversion therapy. disc degeneration basically means small arthritic changes and this can get worse if you dont look after your back. dont stoop, crouch or sit in a slumped way, to help heal your disc be very careful, dont lift heavy objects, bend and twist, sweeping motions can really aggravate a painful disc. degeneration is the disc drying out, discs are not fed from the blood supply but traction like actions (under a physio guidance as you have an injury and need to do these within limits) effectively excercise the vertebrae and force fluid into the disc with the motions. also drink lots of water. it is sad oestrogen can help stave of degeneration to some degree, good posture and care in movements can help prevent uneccessary wear and tear. I wish you well on your road to recovery and being pain free...hope this helps somewhat.