Confused about L4/L5/S1 problems and CT scan - help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter ebayhtl
  • Start date Start date
E

ebayhtl

Guest
Hi all,

Newbie here - I'm hoping anyone/everyone can help with any kind of info/response regarding the below.

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, but as I only have slight pain (albeit with much tightness) in the legs and pelvis at the moment, I'm reluctant to do anything drastic like that. I'm being very diligent with swimming and general wellbeing at the moment so I'm hoping it improves.

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


Ebayhtl.
 
I'm hardly an expert, but off-hand, I'd say for some reason you are just "lucky." I think the CT report, basically says the same thing. You have some significant disc damage - yet none of the bulges have affected a nerve canal/root yet. Take care.
 
I agree with Burpree,
what you have - like they say "comes with territory". Bulges, DDD, Stenosis, Artrities start to affect our spines as early as 25 if not earlier, due to age, some trauma, etc.
Bulges, tears can heal on their own. They come and go during our life many times. Usually they prescribe PT, some home exsecises, stretches and it may be very helpful to some.

Consult with your Dr; for us very hard to say since everybody's case is very indivitual, all depenRAB...
Best of luck to you!:angel:
 
Thanks guys. The physio said broadly the same thing - that while the disc is in pretty bad shape, with good rehab and careful management I'll be able to avoid surgery and have a gradual recovery. I was mainly concerned about the disc impinging on the thecal sac, as the back's usually pretty stiff when I wake up, though it gets gradually better after moving around. Hopefully I'll have more information after my second physio session today.

Hoping for the best!
 
Back
Top