[rdhouse]

Got some x rays done to try a get answers and treatment for my back pain. It has gotten progressively worse since this spring. I have the results from the Radiology clinic, but no action from my doctor. Can any one help me. Results as follows:

There is a transitional lumbar vertebra present. I will assume that there is a vestigial rib ont he right and side at L1 and label. There is a disc space narrowing at L5/S1 with a mild retrolisthesis. No other abnormality is present, no acute abnormality is present.

What does this mean, my doctor has more or less said it is something i need to learn to live with and there is nothing that he can do!

The pain is in the lower back above the tail bone. hurts to stand, sit or move. Pain is 9 out of ten on the bad days, coughing, standing up, rolling over in bed can cause very bad pain. Is there any treatment to help with this pain. Can function day to day when moving or staying still hurts

Thanks

RD

[Rrae]

Welcome!
I'm sorry you are having these issues. Being told to 'live with it' is certainly not what we want to hear! Usually when I hear something like that I'm thinking 'ok, time to go get another opinion'

You might try posting this question over on the Spinal forum. Here is the link to get you there:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22

I hope you start getting answers soon. It can be frustrating, but eventually you'll end up with someone who cares enough to help you get a better quality of life.

Best wishes,

Rae

[Leesa]

Hi ~ I'm sorry you're having so much pain. I know what it's like.

The space between your disc at L5-S1 is narrowing -- meaning that the disc has probably become "dried out" and that causes it to flatten -- so then the vertebra get closer together cause the disc isn't as big as it used to be. That can cause instability in the spine. Also, if the disc flattens, it tends to bulge -- and that can be pushing on some nerves, although they don't mention a bulge.

Retrolisthesis is when the vertebra slip backwards over each other -- yours isn't severe, thank goodness.

You said you had X-rays -- was this an MRI instead?? If not, you NEED to have an MRI with and without contrast material. That will show more than X-rays will.

I wish you the very best. If the pain is too severe, ask to be referred to a pain management specialist. They can give you more options for pain relief. Best of luck. God bless. Hugs, Lee