back pain

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subhaunni

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Hi
I am new to this board and would like to share my health condition. Hope someone can give a good explanation

I have been having back problems for the last 9 years, on and off. Mostly the pain occured when i did some heavy lifting or bending. It used to persist for a day or two and subside with rest. I used to feel pain towarRAB the right of my spine and there used to be a slight deformity of the body(hip portion) to the right whenever the pain occured.
But since the last 5-6 months my pain has shifted from the back to somewhere within my right hip joint. The body deformity is not to be seen and the pain is now a continuous presence. I am not even able to cough or sneeze as the pain is excruciating at that time. Some times i feel a slight discomfort on the right side of my leg below the knee but no radiating pain.
I consulted a neuro physician and did an MRI
The imprssion is as follows
1. The L4-5 intervertebral disc shows mild diffuse annular bulge with moderately large broad based protusion on right lateral and extra foraminal parts. Marked encroachment into the lateral recess and neural foramina., which is partially obliterated. Compression on the transiting and exiting nerve roots noted. Minimal encroachment into the left neural foramina
2. Minimal posterior bulge at L5-S1
3. No other significant abnormality
Can anyone please explain what the possible cause and cure for my problem is. I am 38 now.
 
Welcome to the board. As you know we are not doctors so cannot tell you specifically what is causing your pain. But, from my reading of the written report, the worRAB that jump out at me are "neural foramina partially obliterated, and compression on nerve roots."

The L4-5 intervertebral disc shows mild diffuse annular bulge with moderately large broad based protusion on right lateral and extra foraminal parts. Marked encroachment into the lateral recess and neural foramina., which is partially obliterated. Compression on the transiting and exiting nerve roots noted.

In layman's terms, this means that the disc between the lurabar 4 vertebra and lurabar 5 vertebra is bulging out. As it pushes out, it takes up space that would normally be used by the nerves as they are exiting the spine at this level. Since there is only a small amount of space to begin with, when something that doesn't belong in that space, is taking up the space, the nerves end up getting squished. This results in the nerves being compressed, which results in the pain you feel in your hip area, or leg, or knee. The foramen is basically a "hole" or opening through which the spinal nerves exit that segment of the spine. When it is partially obliterated by other tissue, the nerve does not have sufficient room. It becomes irritated or "pinched," both conditions resulting in pain.

There are conservative treatments that will be tried first. Discs can heal on their own. There are also surgical treatments that take the pressure off the nerve. For example, there is a procedure called a discectomy where the bulging area of the disc is snipped off. Another procedure, laminectomy, takes off a small piece of the lamina, which creates space for the spinal nerve....all of this will depend on what the doctor finRAB when he reviews your films, and physically examines you, and his personal preferences for treatment.

Remeraber, this is just my impression -- how I would understand it if this were my report....your doctor will give you the actual FACTS and recommend what his method of treatment will be.

In the meantime, be careful with your back. Avoid any activities that involve twisting or bending over at the waist, lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk, avoid pulling or pushing heavy objects -- housework like sweeping and vacuuming are very hard on the lower lurabar area, too.

Hope this gives you a general idea of what is probably causing your pain -- enough to hold you over until you meet with your physician.
 
Hi,
Thank you for your reply and advice. I have not yet shown the scan report to my doctor.
Hope my problem can be cured by no surgical means.Meanwhile I shall be careful as you said.
Thanks , once again.
 
Hi there!

I agree with tetonteri...be very cautious what you do but I want to add...DON'T stop moving. I have a herniated disc at L4/L5 and I ended up doing pretty much nothing but laying on my back (that was the only position comfortable and fairly pain-free at the time) for about a month before I got into my orthopedic and I truly feel that may be one reason why I lost so much mobility in my back.

My ortho sent me for Physical Therapy...when you get there, keep doing those exercises on your own at home each day, not just the days you go to your PT appointment. (I did this at the instruction of my therapist) and I'm still doing them. (I started in Oct 2010) I also go to my chiro 1x a week (activator, not manual adjustment) and I am improving.

It's possible! Keep your chin up, and work hard and diligently! Best wishes to you!
 
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