Please! Help with my MRI. How concerned should I be?

  • Thread starter Thread starter The Vicster
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The Vicster

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Hope somebody here can help with some input, it would be GREATLY appreciated. :)

"L1-L2: There is a left-sided disc herniation of the extrusion type with cranial migration of the extruded disc fragment over the posterior inferior aspect of the L1 vetebral body of the left side. The extruded disc fragment measures 0.9 x 0.4 x 1.6 cm (transverse by AP by craniocaudal). There is a marked compression on the anterior thecal sac, and moderate to marked compression on the conus medullaris which terminates at the L1-L2 disc space level. There is resultant severe central spinal stenosis secondary to the disc extrusion superimposed on a congenitally small central spinal canal with short pedicles. There is no foraminal stenosis. There is mild bilateral facetal and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.

I can discern enough to see why I have all of the pain I have, but how worried should I be? Thanks for the help.
 
My main concern is the severe stenosis noted in the report. Who are you treating with? Orthopedic or Neurosurgeon? And whoever it is the doctor should be one who specializes in spinal issues. What have the doctors told you on treatment?
 
Thank you for the reply Pebble Beach.

The general orthopedist referred me to their spine center after reading the MRI, so I'm assuming the doctor I'm seeing now is a specialist in spine issues, although he is not a neurosurgeon, that I know because he spoke of possibly having me speak with one.

I just had my first physical therapy appointment last night, but I didn't pick up a copy of the MRI until today so he hasn't seen it yet. He did say after saying the referral that he is concerned that any exercises for the disc could make the stenosis worse. Not sure what he'll say after seeing the MRI.

I have a prescriptinon for Neurontin for the pain, but after a few days am not getting any relief from that. 300 mg pills twice a day.
 
I just saw your post about your being on Neurontin. I tried Neurontin several years ago and several times at various dosages.
The first time I was on it I started off on a small dose and built up to 2,700 mg a day. I had a major problem with the medication in that I didn't know what I was doing at times.
The other time I was on a lower dose. I can't remeraber the dose level, But did not have the same problem with the medication as the first time. I know for me personally it did not work for pain.
Keep us posted on how you make out. Good luck.
 
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