Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems.


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-11-2008, 08:00 PM #1
ebayhtl ebayhtl is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 0
15 yr Member
ebayhtl ebayhtl is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 0
15 yr Member
Default L4/L5/S1 CT scan, confused about problem, CT scan and advice - help!

Hi all,

Newbie here - I'm hoping anyone/everyone can help with any kind of info/response regarding the below. Obviously not expecting a proper medical diagnosis - any useful info though would be much appreciated.

I've had a lower back (L4/5) problem for the past eight years (I'm 25) - it's been managed fairly well, however recently it's flared up again with sciatica and so I went to get a CT scan.

This is what the report says. I'm due into see my physio in the next couple of days and also to see a specialist ASAP (getting an appointment is pretty difficult in Sydney!) so in the meantime, can anyone help with what this report actually means for my back?

"L3/4 - there is a generalised annular bulge. However there is no evidence of disc protrusion, canal stenosis or encroachment on the neural foramina.

L4/5 - there is loss of disc height and a generalised annular bulge. There is also a broad based central posterior disc bulge indenting the thecal sac anteriorly and reducing the AP dimension of the spinal canal by at least 50%. There is also degeneration and hypertrophy of the apophyseal joints. However there is no evidence of encroachment on the neural foramina.

L5/S1 - there is a generalised annular bulge. There is also a small central posterior disc bulge. However there is no evidence of significant canal stenosis or encroachment on the neural foramina."

In particular, I'm wondering about the meaning and implication of the following:

- Generalised annular bulge?

- Indenting the thecal sac anteriorly?

- Reducing AP dimension of spinal canal by 50%?

- Degeneration and hypertrophy of apophyseal joints?

I'm resigned to having to have surgery at some time in the future. I have a fair bit of pain/discomfort through the right pelvis, back of my thigh, knee and sometimes down the shin/ankle, but there's no numbness/loss of strength/tingling/continence issues, so hopefully no surgery at present. I'm being very diligent with swimming and general wellbeing at the moment so I'm hoping it improves gradually.

Thanks heaps guys - I really appreciate any help I receive.


Ebayhtl.
ebayhtl is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 05-15-2008, 10:02 AM #2
sugarboo sugarboo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,516
15 yr Member
sugarboo sugarboo is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,516
15 yr Member
Default

You are so young! I can't offer a lot here but it sounds like you have 3 buldged discs and one area is narrowed in your spine. That may be where the pain is coming from. Lots of info on the web that can educate you more than I can. I fear saying the wrong thing and not being of much help.

Let us know what you doc says!

WELCOME!!
__________________

.
Wisdom to the soul is what health is to the body
sugarboo is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
CT scan... is it like a MRI or? PunkDizzle Multiple Sclerosis 8 03-18-2008 10:22 AM
SPECT scan burckle Parkinson's Disease 4 02-17-2008 06:52 AM
ct scan spot flopper Epilepsy 2 12-04-2006 01:14 PM
Brain cat scan and MRI Nikko Bipolar Disorder 3 09-28-2006 01:38 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:44 AM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.