MRI Results - Questions

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jbodary28

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A couple years ago I started having bouts of sciatica and general lower back pain after a long road trip. My doctor had me go in for a MRI which showed mild spinal stenosis and a mild herniated disc. He put me on ibuprofen and ultram and that was that. Recently I switched doctors due to a change in health insurance. My new doctor wanted another MRI because I am experiencing more pain lately. Once she got the results of that, she basically said I needed to have back surgery and that was it. I couldn't get her to really explain what anything in the MRI meant, and she won't listen when I explained that I really don't want surgery if I can at all help it. I am moving in October from Lansing, MI to Denver, CO, and I am about to start my working on my Master's degree - being laid up for months with back surgery is just not an option. I am hoping that after I move I will find a more understanding doctor in Denver. In the meantime, I was hoping I get some light shed on the MRI results and what is going on with my back. It says..

1) There is a large left sided disk protrusion at the L5-S1 level now present which is worsened as compared to prior examination. This disk herniation obliterates the left lateral recess and creates mass effect upon the thecal sac and forming left sided nerve roots with moderate degree of central canal stenosis.

2) Other levels of more mild degenerative changes are present as detailed level above (degenerative disk disease with loss of disc signal). Small additional disk herniation at l4-5 is present.

3) Presence of congenitally short pedicles result in relatively narrow congenital diameter of the lurabar spinal canal.
 
I wish I knew more to tell you, but i had similar MRI results (mild stenosis) and herniated disc. I go to get a massage and a little adjustment when I can and have staved off surgery or severe pain lately. I never sit up for too long anymore if I can help it. I recline with my laptop etc. I am very active (two little babies) but sitting kills me. (huge tatas don't help). Standing too long hurts too if I have not had a massage for a while or am otherwise out of allignment. My muscles get knotty and hold my hips out of place. Doc says that the stenosis can get worse to the point where you must have canal widened so nerves aren't hitting everything. My sis and mom had surgery this year, and I can't say for sure if we have exactly the same prob, but they never had massage and otherwise run themselves into the ground. My bro and I have had problems but try to steer clear of surgery. Definitely get a third opinion since the two so widely varied. Back surgery is scary because mistakes can happen...and that is very debilitating. However if it is to a point where you can't move anyway...Doesn't sound like you are there. Massage has been a lifesaver for me (and I am no homeopathic freak..some things WORK!).

Good luck back pain sucks.
 
Hi I have had several MRIs of my spine and brain recently. The lurabar area of my spine is very painful. My Neurosurgeon said I need major back surgery on several discs. Then he said that possibly injections into my lower back would help the pain. I am scheduled to get the injections on Aug. 2. I will stay in touch and update. Take care.

Nadine
 
My mom had the surgery for spinal stenosis and she was in and out in one day. And she is 84. She has done really well. Of course, it didn't stop all the pain since she is 84 but it sure did help. I'm not saying that is the answer for your problem but it did help her
 
Hi. I just read your post. You mentioned that your doctor said that you needed surgery. The first thing that ran thru my mind was what type of doctor were you seeing that told you this? Was this your primary doctor or was it a specialist? If you are having spine problems you should be consulting with an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. They are the ones that should be making the call on whether surgery should be done or not. And make sure that whoever you do see is one that specializes in "spine surgery."
As to your doctor not answering your questions that to me is an indicator that it's time for a change. You need a doctor that will answer questions and address your concerns. If they don't time to find a new doctor.
As to your symptoms you said that there is central canal stenosis. My belief is that you do need to address the issue with a qualified surgeon.
Have medications been tried? Has physical therapy been tried? I would not rush into surgery until alternative courses of treatment have been tried first. If the doctor doesnt feel that meRAB or P/T will help and recommenRAB surgery ask why surgery is needed at this time over other treatment.
Good luck and keep us posted.
 
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