Hello,i have had low back pain for about 7yrs now that is constant pain,things have changed with my back in the last yr,like numb legs severe cramping to my toes,tingling,problems with bowl and urine.before the shooting burning pain stopped behind the knee.something going on with both hips and knees all the time now.this is what the MRI was from a yr ago-
Diagnostic Report text
MRI Lumbar Spine Without Contrast
Clinical Info
History of low back pain that radiates into the lower extremities
w/intermittent numbness and weakness.
Procedure:
Sagittal T2,axial T2,sagittal T1,axial T1,sagittal STIR.

FINDINGS:
As on prior study,there is a transitional appearance of the S1 vertebral body with partial lumbarization on the right.There is normal alignment of the lumbar spine with preserved vertebral body height.There is mild to moderate decrease in disc height at L5-S1 and mild decrease at L4-L5.There is no significant edema on the inversion recovery images.The conus terminates at the L1-L2 level has normal appearing configuration.There is minimal posterior disc bulges at L1-L2 to the L3-L4 level without central canal or forminal stenosis.There is mild facet spondylosis at L3-L4.
L4-L5:A mild to moderate posterior disc bulge with small central disc protrusion is demonstrated with mild facet spondylosis and moderate ligamentous hypertrophy.There is mild left sided asymmetric canal narrowing with left-sided mild subarticular recess narrowing.There is no discrete compression of the nerve roots.There is moderate left sided foraminal stenosis.The right foramen appears patent.
L5-S1:A moderate left sided asymmetric posterior disc bulge is demonstrated with moderate facet spondylosis and ligamentous hypertrophy.There is mild left greater than right subarticular recess narrowing without compression of the nerve suggested.There is mild to moderate left sided foraminal stenosis.The right foramen appears patent.
There is minimal sacroiliac joint spurring and sclerosis.The soft tissues are otherwise unremarkable appearance.
IMPRESSION:
1.Transitional S1 vertebral body appearance with partial lumbarization on right.
2.Mild to moderate posterior disc bulge with small central disc protrusion and facet spondylosis at L4-L5 contributes to mild left-sided asymmetric canal narrowing and subarticular recess narrowing without discrete compression of the nerve root.There is moderate left sided foraminal stenosis.
3.Moderate left-sided asymmetric posterior disc bulge with moderate facet spondylosis at L5-S1 creates mild to moderate left-sided foraminal stenosis without canal senosis.There is mild subarticular recess narrowing without discrete compression of the nerve root.


Sorry this is so long was not sure what part would be helpful to help me so i just put it all out .
thanks

You might want to ask this on the Spinal Disorders & Back Pain forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Keeping in mind we're not doctors here....

If I were to play Sherlock Holmes for a moment, I'd guess that you're middle age, somewhat overweight, right-handed, and possibly used to carrying heavy objects in your right hand. I could be all wrong too! My point is that it sounds very much like a report of a person who fits that description. Walking upright takes a toll on our spines, and the interpretation would suggest asymmetric symptoms (worse on one side than the other) with a somewhat consistent bias (mostly on the same side). While many people walk around without significant problems, others are in extreme pain, with nearly identical MRIs.

The pain could be from your spine, but it's also possible that at least some of the symptoms are unrelated - just coincidental - and may have some other cause. Any chance of diabetes? Hips & knees (and other joints for that matter) can wear out as we age. Do you take glucosamine/chondroitin/msm? Calcium, any other vitamins/supplements? (Trying to get a hint on other possible sources for these symptoms).

Doc

wow!your good!I take the womens one a day.and lots of pain,muscle relaxer, inflammatory, steroids.i was also told at 12yrs old that i had rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and knees.and in ex-rays they seen arthritis in my spine.my pain from back and legs go from on side to other or even worse both at same time then i cant move from waist down.sometimes for hrs and most of time for days.

i also can Not sit on my butt,i have to be on one cheek or the other,i have this pressure in low back it feels like something is gonna pop inside of me.lots of this new stuff going on with me.

i am 38yr,5 4 half,157pounds.