[MiriamS]

Hi Everyone,
I had an MRI done of the cervical and lumbar spine because I was experiencing severe back pain. I got the results and am so confused as to where to go from here (will be speaking with my Dr. tomorrow, but would love to hear your opinion). A little background about myself, I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy and am experiencing body wide tingling and burning type pain since its onset in February 2009. At that time I had this same MRI done and it did not show any of this. I had a repeat of the same MRI done recently:

Cervical Spine:
1. Reversal of the cervical spine curvature
2. Posterior bulges at C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7
3. Central disc herniation at T2-T3

Lumbar Spine:
Posterior bulge at L5-S1 level. Slight hypertrophy of bilateral facet joints at
L5-S1 level.

What's the treatment for this? Is this going to get worse? Do I need surgery?
Sorry for all these questions, I'm just really nervous as to what to do next.

Thanks a lot,
Miriam

[Leesa]

Hi Miriam ~ This was NOT here when I logged on this morning, or I would have answered. I imagine you've gone to your doctor by now. What did he have to say?

I would say that no, you're not a surgical candidate. I'm sure you have pain and i hope he gives you something for it. i would imagine that as time goes on it could get worse, as i imagine you have degenerative disc disease. right now, nothing is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord and nothing seems to be compromised. i'll be interested in hearing what your doctor wants to do. hopefully he'll refer you to pain management. let us know, ok? hugs, lee

[MiriamS]

Leesa,
Thanks for your reply.
I spoke with my Dr. He is referring me to a spine specialist to further discuss my MRI results (and how it may be causing my neuropathy). I also got a back brace as lying down and sitting (especially in a car!) was just too painful. It's my first day with the brace and so far it seems to be somewhat helping, so I'm at least happy about that.

Thanks again.
Miriam