MRI Results... NEED HELP INTERPRETING

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burpngirl

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Got MRI results today and have NO IDEA what any of it means! Of course doc will explain, but I would like to have a few other opinions too...

Here is what it says:

Minimal contour abnormality of disc osteophyte complex T12-L1 level paracentral location. No foraminal narrowing or significant effect upon descending or exiting nerve roots mild degeneration T12-L1disc. Remainder of discs lurabar spine normal. All vertebral bodies well maintained in stature and contour with no alignment abnormality noted. Minimal facet degeneration lower levels lurabar spine. No foraminal narrowing or canal stenosis at any level. Distal aspect of spinal cord is of normal signal and contour in the conus is seen to terminate at L1-L2 interspace level.

Impression: Minimal to mild degenerative changes of T12-L1 disc and facet joints lurabar spine.

NOW, LIKE I SAID, I DONT KNOW WHAT ANY OF THIS MEANS BUT IN LAYMAN'S TERMS, THATS A HECK OF A LOT OF MILRAB AND MINIMALS FOR ALL OF THIS BACK PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this saying that there is nothing wrong with my back that could be causing this HORRENDOUS PAIN?????

Thanks in advance for any replies!!!!

Gentle Hugs!
Donna
 
Hi Donna. When you arent used to seeing those terms they throw in there, etc.. it can look a bit ominous.

Yes, the word "mild" is good and bad. Good in the sense that your issues are mild in nature, bad that the doctors usually give the patient the impression that the images are actually pretty "good" considering.

Your MRI looks pretty good.. sorry about that! That doesnt mean that you dont hurt and it could be hurting very badly. Degenerative changes (aging) of the spine can be very painful for many.

There are 3 parts to our spines. Starting at the neck, which is cervical, then the thoracic (mid spine)T-1 thorugh T-12, then lurabar spine (lower back) L1 through S1 (for sacrum). Your issues are at the end of the thoracic and beginning of the lurabar spine (where they join).

The T12/L1 is actually one disc area between with two bony segments (the T-12 & L1 segments). The degenerative changes means your disc is beginning to show signs of aging and losing it's springy gel and starting to harden. Each bony segment is connected together at facet joints. In your lurabar spine, it notes some of those levels are starting to age, and possibly becomming arthritic there.

Good news, you have normal alignment of your spine. There is no herniated or bulging disc and no nerve impingement. This is a very good thing!

While "MILD" these issues you have can cause great discomfort and pain in some. I would guess that physical therapy, oral medication will be prescribed. PT can help you strengthen your core muscle groups, which can protect your spine further but also reduce your pain. Also steroid injections around your facet joints may be suggested to see if it helps reduce your pain.

Hope this helps and keep us posted.
 
Oh thank you so much!! So what you are saying is that even though some of these things say "mild" that they can still be the cause of my NOT MILD pain?? Im just so tired of people thinking that Im crazy or making these things up! I really wanted PROOF that something is truely wrong with my back! Nothing too hard to fix, of course... just a little "i told ya so moment"..

Thanks Again!
Donna
 
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