MRI Result - Help with understanding this please

[lil_veron]

Hi everyone,

I would appreciate it if someone could break this down in more layman terms please as the doctor at my Sub Acute Back Pain Clinic just told me that it was something that I would have to live with, mentioning something about bulging discs and spurring of the bones in one or two places. I am now on co-codamol for the pain, amitryptilyne (think I may have spelled that wrong!) to be able to sleep at night and awaiting a 6 week course of exercise to improve my core stability.

I still have trouble doing anything more than basic housework (ie, I can't use the hoover), can only lift and carry very light items, not able to sit or stand for long periods at a time and will probably only be able to find an office job working part time. (Not that there are any jobs out there at the moment anyway, as we all know lol).

I would be grateful for any help as I feel that the clinic have kind of washed their hands of me. It might not have helped that my husband who was with me at the time of the result ended up having an argument with the doctor about helping me to resolve my back problem! But the poor guy has had to put up with my pain, my moods and my lack of ability to do anything at the moment. I tell you, my husband deserves a medal for putting up with me for so long. He's a wonderful, supportive man and I love him dearly. Sorry for going off on a tangent, but we must remember to acknowledge our close family and friends who have to deal with us incapacitated people.

Anyway, here's the report:

Findings:

From L2/3 to L5/S1 there is moderate disc dehydration and shallow broad posterior disc protrusions with associated endplate degenerative change. Mild multilevel facet joint hypertrophy, but no frank central canal, lateral recess or foraminal root compression is seen. The lower thoracic discs are normal. Alignment is normal, the central spine canal is spacious, and the conus and cauda equina are normal. Bone marrow endplate degenerative changes at L2/3 but no bone marrow infiltration. Normal lower lumbar prevertebral and paravertebral soft tissues.

Comment:

Moderate chronic mid and lower lumbar disc and facet joint degenerative changes, advanced for age, with shallow mid and lower lumbar disc protrusions, but no frank lumbar neural compression is seen.

 

[XxXChloeXxX ,paula.. :P]

Hi,

You know a qualified medical consultant should really explain this to you. But I understand how frustrating this is. I had a much longer mri report ( all of my cervical and lumbar discs are involved) and I spent hours on the net trawling websites researching the meanings. What is really infuriating is being told to live with it, or just learn to cope. You do seem lucky in that there is no neural compression though

 

[Cindy Crump]

Thanks Cascara,

The guy that spoke to us is supposed to be a doctor and an osteopath, though as far as I am aware he is not a consultant as such, but he just didn't explain it fully even when I questioned him about it. He didn't exactly come across to us after 2 visits to him as someone you could put your trust and faith in to.

I know that I should be, and really I am glad that there is no neural deficit. I would hate to have a serious problem like that, I hope that is not one of your problems as it sounds like you have it worse than me

 

[Pompal 09.]

If you are not satisfied you can ask for a second opinion, or to talk to another doctor or consultant about your MRI scan. There's a thread about assertiveness that's going on here at the same time - maybe you need to practise your assertiveness!

 

[Marcus]

It does sound as if you have age related wear and tear changes on you lower back. Some of your disc's are a bit flat and the boney joints that are between the individual vertebrae have thickened. This means that movement will cause extra rubbing and probably pain. The thinner disc's will cause further discomfort as they can't properly keep the bones apart which allow the nerves to exit unhindered. There doesn't seem to be any actual single cause involved.
Lots of people are in you situation and if it gets worse surgery may be suggested. They can replace the disc's with spacers or fuse together unstable joints. There are options available, but it does appear that you have to be seriously effected, before being considered. It was suggested to me that apple cider vinegar can dissolve these boney growths. I have not had enough pain to try it myself, but I would certainly give it a go. This is just a layman's attempt at explaining your MRI. A chiropractor should be able to explain your MRI, and possibly offer treatment. Best of luck.

 

[LudoRex]

Thanks Chris and Scommstech for your words of wisdom. I can understand the age related degeneration bit even though I'm only 44 years young!

My original back problem has in fact occured through 2 or 3 incidents over the years so that is maybe why no single cause can be ascertained.

I am waiting on my little brother to get back to me about a possible 2nd opinion as he belongs to a mountain rescue group and is friends with a Trauma surgeon guy who specialises in back injuries, so fingers crossed on that one.

I may well look into the apple cider vinegar suggestion considering I'm from the Westcountry anyway lol.

I will definately look into the thread about assertiveness, I most certainly need that as I have over the years just accepted what I've been told and put up with my lot in life. That is why my husband came with me this time around and caused a bit of stink during the process!

Many thanks again one and all for your help and understanding.

 

[joy_gone_wild]

I was in my thirties when boney growths (spurs) were first detected in my lumber region. Ask about blood thinners to encourage a good supply to the disc's and try to stay off red meat. Good look with the second opinion.