Chronic Neck,Shoulder and Lower back pain - MRI Done - Need Suggestions
 

Hi

I am 31 year old guy who spends the entire day(12 hrs) infornt of computers.From past 6 years I am suffering from chronic neck and shoulder pain.
The neck pain tolerable on some days and sometimes not.Also I have chronic lower backpain in the right corner of my back. It feels good if sombody massage the part
I have visited Orthopaedics 4 times for this. Three time they took x-ray of both upper back adn lower back. Told to do some physiotherapy.
I feel numbness and tingling in both my hands and legs. But not to the extent of hanmpering my daily work

In my recent visit orthopaedic spine specialist I got an MRI scan which read as follows

Changes of spondylosis with:
1. Right paracental disc osteophytic complex at C4-5 producing mild to moderate impression on thesal sac and adjacent nerve roots
2. Diffuse annular disc bulge at L5-S1 producing mild impression on thesal sac. No focal point compression

My doctor told me not to worry and nothing ubnormal. He just gave one muscle relaxant and forget that I have pain.
I just want to ask you guys does MRI suggest something bad.Do i need to consult a neuro spine specialist. If something is wrong
what can I do to stem the rot and prevent it from becomming something big problem
My main worry is the chronic paint my neck,shoulder blades, shoulder and lower back. Numbness and tingling is always present but
becomes more only on certain days.

Can you guys suggest me something for this based on my MRI scan report

Hi mohanbp, welcome.

The thing about imaging and spines... MRIs by themselves don't tell the whole story, and everyone is different. Two identical twins could present with identical MRIs, and one could function perfectly fine without pain, and the other could be in abject pain.

I'm just guessing (since I have similar issues); I think at least part—if not most—of the problem is posture-related. My suggestion at this time would be to keep up with the PT exercises (if they've helped) even after the course is over, be aware of your seated posture, take frequent breaks (get up) for stretching and general movement, have your employer get you an ergonomic workstation, and work on reversing (as much as possible) any posture-related injuries (the orthopedists should be able to guide you here).

Myofascial trigger point therapy may help (it did/does me). I'll leave it to you to decide. If so, I'd seek only a certified (CMTPT) therapist.

Learn what you can about osteoarthritis in the spine and how to avoid/delay it.

I've been where you are, and trust me—you don't want to be where I am in 20 years. ;)

Best wishes,

Doc

Chronic repetitive work /desk postures will aggravate any c spine issue.

A portion of your sx might be from the c spine, and a portion could be soft tissue & posture related.

I would seek out some expert PT, DC, bodyworkers, as well as learning about maintaining aligned posture and ergonomics with self care.
Youtube has some very good videos on posture and related things.