Ginnie, you're awesome. I will definitely make sure all of my questions are answered. I'm slowly working my way towards seeing a neurologist. Since I'm not flush with cash, I've been going to a low-income clinic for about a year, and they are just now referring me to someone who can help. It has sucked being in this much pain and seeing a doctor who thinks I'm either: 1) making up the pain to get pain medicine or 2) only dealing with some muscle tightness, but at least I'm headed to a pretty good hospital now.

I will be sure to keep you guys updated, but I probably won't get any new information for at least a few weeks.

I can't tell you how much you guys have helped me with your support and information. You guys are the best!

I stand corrected (and cannot find my source); I should have said arthritis can be (and often is) a contributing factor.
http://www.ehow.com/about_4762263_de...arthritis.html

The arthropathy and description of symptoms also had me thinking along those lines.

I would start reading up on it (arthritis) and some of the other terms being bandied about here so you can discuss them in an informed way with your doctors.

The degeneration can't be stopped in the way aging/getting older can't be stopped. It's gonna happen, but there are many factors in play (genetics, injuries, how well you care for yourself, etc.) so it's not like there isn't anything that can be done. Eating right, exercise, moderation, and maybe some prophylactic supplement like glucosamine/chondroitin/msm may help stave things off. This won't (or shouldn't) shorten your lifespan.

Medical reports are interpretations, which means they're somewhat subjective (another doctor/technician might interpret "severe" as "moderate" or vice versa). Also, conditions don't affect people the same way. Two guys just like you could have similar imaging, and identical interpretations, yet one of them is in a lot of pain and the other functions just fine, and well into old age. My point is, don't let the reports and language (which can mean different things to doctors than to us peons) psyche you out. How you feel -- and your attitude -- means more than what's on that piece of paper.

Listen to what the doctors say, ask questions, and do your own homework. Some of this may be helped more than you think by physical therapy, especially if you can find a therapist worth their salt (1/2 of all therapists, like 1/2 of all doctors, are below average. ) Some of this can, and may, heal in time. The body has some remarkable abilities in that area if you listen to it and let it.

Doc

Thanks for your info. I've been doing a ton of research on everything that I can. After comparing my MRI pictures to others online, I don't think my case is as serious as it could be. The stenosis near the bottom of my spine doesn't look good, but I'm not sure if that is the cause of my pain. I'm not allowed to post links, so if you would like to see my MRI results, you'll have to remove the space after the http:. I would like to hear your thoughts on the pics:

http: //imageshack.us/a/img820/8459/mri3.jpg
http: //imageshack.us/a/img641/4807/mri2f.jpg
http: //imageshack.us/a/img202/1289/mri1p.jpg

I wouldn't know how to read or interpret those things. The little I have learned is from my doctors, this group, and looking things up in the medical dictionary (top right of page) and the web.

I've got stenosis too -- both cervical & lumbar -- flattened discs (bone on bone in a few places), scary imaging & reports, and I won't bore you with all the other woes. After many years of this, what my doctors have told me came to pass. There has been some further degeneration, but there has been some healing too, as bone has grown to protect my spine.

What I believe has helped me along is keeping things as loose and flexible as I can. My range of motion is (the therapists tell me) excellent, though it can get pretty stiff and limited at times.

We got dealt these pretty crummy hands, but we're still in the game.

Doc

In regards to those MRI results they are SEVERE and should require immediate surgery The little white triangle thing in the middle is what is left of your cord! I am surprised you aren't having more issues with this! That is probably a tad worse than mine and they have thrown words like loss of bladder/bowel function or control, sexual impairment and paralysis. I am surprised that no doctor has contacted you yet!

I figured it was pretty bad, going by how my primary doctor reacted to the results, but I didn't know it was that bad. I just hate that the doctors I went to blew me off for over a year because they thought it was "muscle tightness." I'm hoping beyond hope that I won't have severe, permanent damage. Thanks for your take on my results, even if it's not an encouraging one .

To be honest I didn't expect to see it that badly! It is in the cord pretty darn good, as I said I have multiple levels like that, not quit as severe but in the same grade. I have refused the surgery for now, and I will until I cant go any longer but that is just how I roll lol. I think that yours is the most perfectly centered that I have seen usually they are paracentral left or right. It is probably why you haven't had the leg pain's.

I really hope that you can get the help with your back. I have been reading the posts. Sorry your doctor blew you off for that long. Let us know what happens. We care, ginnie

Please keep in mind that no-one here has a medical degree or any status as far as medical opinions go. Whether someone warrants or requires surgery is the call of the patient with the advice/counsel of his/her doctors. If a doctor takes a wait & see position, there may be good reason. I'd have a frank discussion with the doctor rather than making an assumption.

If someone isn't happy with their doctor for any reason, they always have the right to second (or more) opinions, and/or to go to another doctor.

Doc

Because it is so centered, would I be able to just let it heal on its own? Or can it move to paracentral left/right? And hearing that you haven't had to get the surgery is reassuring. Did your doctors recommend the surgery, and what did they say was the worst thing that could happen if you don't have the surgery?