Hi a have been trying to figure out what
exactly my MRI results mean so that I can
do some research about treatment.
I have had lasting pain in my lumbar
region for about a month and a half now. I
had an MRI and my dr. said basically I a
squashed disc that was bulging and rubbing
a nerve. When I began to read my results
it looks like there may be more to it.
Here it is, I would be so thankful for
some assistance.
1. L5-S1:moderate bilateral arthrosis
2. L4- L5 Right laterally projecting
disc-osteophyte complex with narrowing of
right lateral recess and foraminal
extension. spnal canal 1.2cm. Mild
bilateral facet arthrosis
3. L3-L4 diffuse disc desiccation and
annular bulge. Spinal canal 1.3cm
4. L2-L3 There is diffuse desiccation,
loss of disc height and broad based disc
osteophtye complex. Spinal canal 1.5
5. multilevel lumbar facet arthrosis.
I have tried like crazy to break this down
but I really just need it summarized(more
info than my doc though)
Thanks a ton,
akbear in serious pain
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-13-08 08:03am
Hello Akbear,
Welcome to this forum and the great people
who post here and try to help others.
I too have a difficult time understanding
medical terms. I hope ohers can give your
the explanation/definition you are
seeking.
May I suggest that tomorrow you call your
doctor and speak with him/her and ask for
an explanation of the words you do not
understand. In the meantime you may wish
to go to Google and type in the words (one
at a time) with the word "definition"
following the word you do not understand.
Works most of the time for me.
RichT
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akbear
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 3
Posted: 01-13-08 14:16pm
Thanks for the advice. I am not real
impressed with my current Doc and am in
the market to find a new one. I did
several google searches which of course
landed me here. I will take your advice
and break down the words and add
definition.
Thanks RichT
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rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 160 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 2
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-14-08 03:48am
hello akbear the doctor is telling you
the basics
l5-S1 is your bottom vertebra, bilateral
arthrosis meas arthritis on both sides
they are probably talking about your facet
joints here, these are a small pair of
joints at the rear of the vertebra that
allow motion between the vertebra.
L4-L5 next joint up "Right laterally
projecting disc-osteophyte complex with
narrowing of right lateral recess and
foraminal extension. spinal canal 1.2cm.
Mild bilateral facet arthrosis "
Osteophytes are small growths of bones
that form around joints the
disk-osteophyte complex is narrowing the
hole between the vertebra that your nerves
coarse out of. The spinal canal is the
main channel that your spinal cord courses
down 1.2 cm i don't know if this is to
narrow or not. facet joint arthritis on
both sides.
L3-L4 next joint up the disk has lost some
fluid and is bulging.
L2-L3 the disk has lost some fluid and
height and there are the Osteophyte's
again
5. multilevel lumbar facet arthrosis. you
have arthritis in your facet joints at
multiple levels.
good luck
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akbear
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 3
Thanks Roller 64 Posted: 01-14-08 15:14pm
Thank you so much for the info. My Dr.s
have not even explained it that well.
Any thoughts on treatment or future pain?
Thanks for the help.
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rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 160 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 2
Thanked:0
Posted: 01-15-08 21:34pm
As far as treatment or future pain go
that's pretty hard to say, how old are
you? one thing i would say is try to keep
as active as you can, if you can exercise
without aggravating your condition it
should slow down disease progression, you
may have to use trial and error here,
walking, swimming ,yoga, and Pilate's, if
it hurts and makes you worse don't do it,
you should also clear any exercise with
your doctor or surgeon.
You probably have three options, surgery
you may not be bad enough for this but you
still need through evaluation from a good
orthopedic or neurosurgeon.
some kind of therapy physio or chiro, it
is vital that you see a good one, see if
you can get a recommendation from someone
who has good judgement, because you have
some disk problems and arthritis recovery
may be limited, again you may have to use
trial and error .
pain management, again its vital that you
see someone good.
Its not simple or easy, be patient, and
persistent, try to use good judgment and
not wishful thinking, as far as surgery
goes, get a second opinion before going
under the knife, and be suspicious of
therapists who twist your arm, or remind
you of a pushy salesperson.
