MRI Impression: help me know what's going on here

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JKSteger

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My lower back has been hurting since Feb. 2010. I went to Chiropractor in March for weekly adjustments but it only got worse. I then went to my Dr. who send me to Orthopedics who sent me to get a MRI. In the past week my back has gotten alot better as the pain going down my right leg has lessened except in the morning getting out of bed.

My MRI came back and the Dr. handed me the exam results and said I needed to talk with yet another Dr about injections but I needed to do physical therapy first for 4 weeks (insurance).

So here are the MRI impression:
L4-5: Broad based left-sided protrusion displaces the left L5 root. Small right paracentral caudal extrusion displaces the right L5 root.

What does this mean? I would have asked the Dr except he handed me the paper when I was walking out of the exam room.

I'm getting tired of these Dr's walking in and speaking for 2 minutes then leaving and I'm not even getting to ask a question. Also tired of being told I have to see a "different" Dr. for this and that.

Anyway,
Anyone know what the MRI impressions mean? Also anything I should ask the Dr for as far as anti inflamitory goes? I'm taking 800 mg ibuprofin every 8 hours with helps more than alot!

Thanks
Jeremy
 
JKSteger
I am sorry you are having difficulties with your doctors that can be frustrating. I am not a doctor but I have had problems with my L5S1 disc which is one below yours. It sounRAB like you may have a herniated or buldging disc. The disc can be swollen and taking anti inflammatory drugs like motrin or sterioRAB can help the swelling to go down. If your disc is herniated the chiropractor may not be able to adjust it due to its position. The orthopedic doctor might not have spine experience. The first ortho I went to told me I just had a herniated disc you will be fine, I followed up with a neurosurgeon and ended up having a foot drop and had a discecotmy the next week. So it is a good thing your ortho told you to see someone who was better at spine issues then they were. My GP put me on Relefin which is a prescription anti inflam. and they also tried sterioRAB both of which did not work for me bc my disc was too far out and pushing on the nerve.

I would recommend that you find a spinal surgeon either a nuerosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon to get a consult. My ortho spine surgeon works with a pain management doctor(anesthesiologist) and together they prescribed epidural cotisone shots(under xray) and physical therapy for me and at one point I was pain free, from a disc herniation. It took several shots until the pain was decreased. If you read these message boarRAB there have been people who do well with shots and others who do not. Try to get find frienRAB or family or your gp to recommend a spine specialist. You can do an online search too. Usually the insurance companies want you to try every avenue PT, shots, etc...before they will approve surgery. There are many treatments available.
Good Luck I hope this helps
Laurie
L5S1 laminectomies, L5S1 fusion with hardware 4/2010
 
The fact that you are improving and not getting worse would negate any need of surgery. Most of the time these things do get better on their own but patience is needed as it is a slow progress. Personally I am not a big fan of physio therapy for back problems others may disagree. Be careful that you don't overdue it as pain can return if you tax that level again. Time is your best ally.
 
Thanks all.

Every day for the past 2 weeks I have felt better and better. Granted I'm not doing anything other than my normal job functions (office) but i'm feeling better. The only time that really bothers me is getting out of bed in the morning. I've learned "how" to get out of bet that minimises pain but it's still a chore.

I can sit on the sofa now without it hurting me. I can walk and even bend over to pick things up now. I have to be a little "slow" about doing it as any jerky quick motions will send a sharp pain down the back of my leg but I'm okay with that.

I haven't taken any medicine for the pain or taken any ibuprofin for 3 days and it hasn't made any difference in my pain level. I mean, there are a few times each day that a dull pain is present that lets me know I'm not 100% but it's not that often.

I'm going to give it more time and see how I do. Thanks everyone.

Jeremy
 
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