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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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10-20-2011, 03:58 PM | #1 | ||
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New Member
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Hi,
I've been experiencing severe numbness in my left leg with lower back pain and just got back the results from the MRI. The doctor's office only said I have bulging discs and to get PT. I tried Googling some of the result terms and ended up here. I stopped by the office today, signed for the report, and here's what is says: "At L3-L4, there is a broad-based annular bulge without central canal stenosis. There is mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing with ligamentous hypertrophy noted. At L4-L5, there is a broad-based posterior disc bulge. There is mild central canal stenosis in conjunction with facet hypertrophy and ligamentous laxity. There is NO appreciable neural foraminal narrowing. At L5-S1, there is a broad-based posterior disc bulge. There is NO appreciable central canal or neural foraminal stenosis. Impression: Mild degenerative changes of the lumbar spine as described." Is it possible for someone to explain what this means? Thank you! |
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10-25-2011, 07:16 AM | #2 | |||
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Senior Member
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Hi - Maybe I can help a little.
At L3-4, you have a disc bulge, but the spinal canal is NOT narrowed because of it. You have neural foraminal narrowing -- the neural foramen is the hole that the nerves pass thru to the spinal cord. That is narrowing. At L4-5 you have a disc bulge, and the central spinal canal is mildly narrowed. Facet hypertrophy is an overgrowth of bone from the facets -- the facets are the "winglike" structures on each side of the spine. You can see them when you hunch over -- they kind of stick out. At L5-S1 you have only a disc bulge. You have "degenerative disc disease" which is a drying out of the discs, which tends to flatten them and then they bulge & herniate. EVERYONE gets this, which happens as we age, but not everyone has pain with it. Some of us get DDD earlier than others too. Hope I helped a little! Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee
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recovering alcoholic, sober since 7-29-93;severe depression; 2 open spinal surgeries; severe sciatica since 1986; epidurals; trigger points; myelograms; Rhizotomy; Racz procedure; spinal cord stimulator implant (and later removal); morphine pump trial (didn't work);now inoperable; lumpectomy; radiation; breast cancer survivor; heart attack; fibromyalgia; on disability. Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live.. .................................................. ...............Orestes |
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