Can anyone help me with MRI results of my back?

[mehumphry]

Here is how it reaRAB:

L3-4: There is mild bilateral facet hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum infolding.
L4-5: Mild disc bulge with a small superimposed central disc protrusion. The disc bulge/protrusion corabines with bilateral facet hypertrophy and ligamentum flavum infolding to cause mild narrowing of the central canal and lateral recesses.
L5-S1: Diffuse disc bulge with a superimposed broad-based right paracentral/lateral recess disc protrusion, which approximates the traversing right S1 nerve root. There is mild narrowing of the right lateral recess.

Impression:
1. Bilateral pars interarticularis defects (spondylolysis) of L4.
2. Degenerative spondylosis of the lurabar spine with focal disc protrusions at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, as detailed above.


Sorry for the novel! I have been having back pain for years. I get sharp pains in my lower back, and even when on of my kiRAB is behind me and "touch" the spot on my lower back it makes me jump from the pain. My doc and I aren't seeing eye to eye right now. I am just trying to figure some of this out to see weather I need to pursue going to a specialist. Thanks for any input!

 

[Justoneofus]

YES see a specialist, as soon as possible. You need to be seeing a spine surgeon. Not to have surgery necessarily, but for proper medical spine care and treatment going forward. A regular orthopaedic surgeon is different from a surgeon that only does spines. These are easily found in "spine centers" throughout most cities today. Whoever you see, make sure they are spine fellowed surgeons, which means they have done a lot more educative and specialized training above others just with spines. These can be either orthro or neuro surgeons.

From what you wrote you have several things going on there that truly need a spine surgeon's attention.

First your lower lurabar spine is no longer in it's normal position and is moving/sliding (aka"spondyloysis" or "spondy") at the level mentioned. This is when a segment of the vertebra actually slides forward (out of place) putting major stress on your entire spine and the disc that is between it and the other segment(s) below/above it. (This is often a genetic trait in families and also can be caused due to discs in the spine aging or degenerating -aka - aging).

At L3-4: the facet hypertrophy is basically arthritis in the facet joints (which is the place where the vertebra segments connect to each other). The ligamentum flavum is a ligament that is attached to the inside of the vertebra that helps to attach the vertabra together. Where noted, it's being stressed and starting to not hold as it should.

L4-5: as above but with disc bulge with all corabined is narrowing the central canal opening where your nerves run through the spine at this level. The pars defects are often caused by stress fractures at some point in life (but also notes the spondy as explained above).

L5-S1: disc is bulging at this level and is pressing on the nerve root. Also some mild stenosis (narrowing) of the right lateral recess.

Do you find any relief by leaning forward a bit? That is common. Do you have increased pain when you extend your spine any? This is also common.

We arent docs on here.. just some wise people just like you that just happen to know our spines due to all the issues we have with them.

I hope this helps you some and please get an appointment with a spine surgeon. Welcome and keep us posted.

 

[mehumphry]

Thank you SO much for your input. My doc doesn't even want to refer me. Just to send for for PT, and possible epi steroid injections. I was told years ago I had Spina Bifida Occulta, and I had problems with the epi with my first two kiRAB, and opted out for my third baby, so the thought of that makes me nervous!

I do find relief when I "hunch" over. But I don't really notice pain when I extend my spine. I guess I am just worried, because I am only 28, and need my back for a while longer, lol. That and I'm just plain sick of being in constant pain, not always horrible pain, but always "something" there. You're reply helps a lot!

 

[mznell]

There are 3 worRAB in the Wonderful World of Back Problems that are very similar: spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis and spondylosis. Spondy is the Greek word for spine. "Listhesis" is Greek for slippage. The longest word, spondylolisthesis, is when one vertebra slides over the top of the vertebra below it. This usually occurs in the lower lurabar back. This term is NOT mentioned on the part of your MRI that you copied to your email.

Spondylolysis, which is mentioned at Impression #1, is a defect in the spine that causes an acute pain on one side, usually on the lower back. Some doctors define it as a "stress fracture" or small cracks. It is a fairly common injury among gymnasts and divers, and is often seen along with spondylolisthesis (the slippage). I have a feeling this is the spot that your kiRAB can touch and it makes you jump.

Finally, spondylosis is a fancy way of labeling what we laymen would commonly refer to as arthritis of the spine. It is usually a degenerative process, coming on as we age. This is what is described in Impression #2 where it states there is arthritis of the lurabar spine; there are some bulging areas of the two discs located between vertebra L4 down to S1. (L4-5 and then L5-S1). And as mentioned previously, there is some narrowing of the spinal canal caused by the bulging discs protruding into its space.

These terms are confusing as they all do sound a like, give or take a syllable. :dizzy: If I were you, I would pursue seeing a spinal specialist. Since you are so young, it would be useful to develop a relationship with a specialist who will be able to guide your treatment in the future.

Did they also x-ray your back? That is the best way to determine if there might also be a spondylolisthesis. I imagine a specialist will suggest treating you just as your doctor described: with pain relievers, physical therapy and if that doesn't help, with the steroid injections. I'm guessing he will proceed conservatively and will not be recommending surgery, at least not at this point.

Let us know what you decide to do.

xx M:wave:M