Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Bony spondylotic changes of the vertebrae
What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
User Profile
Q: Bony spondylotic changes of the vertebrae
asked by: DoctorQuestion on November 10th, 2006
I have been having an "icy-hot" feeling in my lower left leg off and on for several years. Now the whole leg is hurting, burning most of the time. It seems best when I'm lying flat in bed. I had an MRI done and wil be seeing an ortho shortly. I was wondering if you could give me your impression of my MRI. It shows a moderate size L3-L4 disk herniation and with asymmetric narrowing along the left lateral recess. There is also mention of bony spondylotic changes at several levels. Could this be causing all my grief?? Thanks for your help.


Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on November 30th, 2006
Back Pain Answer A1849
According to your MRI report (disk herniation and osteophytes), it seems that you are experiencing spondylosis. Spondylosis is a chronic, degenerative disease of the joints between the vertebrae. Spondylotic changes of the vertebrae press on the roots of the spinal nerves, causing the symptoms you mention. Every spinal nerve has 2 roots: an anterior and a posterior root. Pressure on the posterior roots causes sensitive symptoms (itching, burning, numbness, pain…) while pressure on the anterior roots causes motor symptoms (muscle weakness, fasciculations, twitching, pareses and paralyses). Your symptoms (pain and burning in the whole leg) are probably due to the spondylotic changes mentioned in the MRI report. You can consult an orthopedist or neurosurgeon about further treatment.


DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Back Pain , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Quick Reply
Search