Newbie with MRI Question

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livsmply

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Just got my MRI back with the following results:

1. Small posterior annular tear and mild broad based disc protrusion at L5-S1
2. Mild facet degenerative arthropathy at L4-5 and L5-S1

Symptoms I went to the doctor with were slight lower back pain on the left side, mostly concerned about nerve twitching in my left leg (mostly above the knee) and once in a while some random nurabness in my left front thigh.

Really, I'm not in much pain, but I was concerned about permanent damage.

Can anyone tell me if this is serious, or if I'm going to be good with just physical therapy? I have a follow up with a Physical Medicine Specialist next week.

Thanks!
 
annular tear....torn disc...could just be like a scratch...or could be deep enough where fluid is leaking out.

arthropathy....arthritis

protrusion....bulging out

my guess is that they will try conservative methoRAB before thinkin about surgery.......like physical therapy, pain meRAB, and/or epidural steroid injections. if all of that fails to help/work....then surgery is a possibility.
 
Hi there. The fact that you are not in great pain is a very good thing. No one would be able to tell you if the nerve issues are permanent or not. Your symptoms may lessen if the disc heals and or improves. As to the spine.. you have some arthritis and generally doesnt go away, but can easily be controlled most of the time.

The bulge and tear can heal on it's own and most do. PT should help you to strengthen yourself and your core muscles which are an absolute necessity with you having any spine issues. Stay as fit as you possibly can. It will go to helping you reduce your risk of further issues with your spine. It's never a given, but it really does help improve the odRAB.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
 
Thanks Ladies for all your insight. When my doctor's office called to give me the results, they said it wasn't bad enough for surgery. I'm hoping the other doctor says the same thing.

The crazy thing is that I was exercising very consistently back in October/Noveraber...elliptical, strength training (upper body and leg press), and toning (leg lifts, ab work, etc.). Actually lost 15 lbs and kept it off. I took a break over the holidays and that's when I started feeling the random nurabness...then a couple weeks ago, when I started back on my exercise routine, I started feeling the leg pain. I'm wondering if I didn't make it worse by overdoing it.

My husband said to lay off the leg press...puts my back in a "prone" position. We traded in our elliptical for a recurabent bike...so I'll wait to see what the doc says about exercising. I really want to get back into shape, so I need him to tell me what I can/can't do.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
 
Can you tell me if "mild facet degenerative arthropy" and "moderate facet arthrosis" are one and the same? Thank you.
 
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