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Have Had MRI Of Spine. What Are The Findings?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Sep 2013
Question: Hi I am trying to read my MRI of of the sacrugm/coccyx
Desiccated L5-S1 disc with minimal central disc bulge, there is bilateral facet joint hypertrophy atL1-2 L2-3 L3-4. L4-5 L5-S1 partial sacralization of the L5 vertebrae
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
degeneration of the discs and vertebra

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are discs present between the vertebra. These discs have different functions including absorption of shock and distribution of forces in the back.

There are two main parts of these discs: the outer aspect called the annulus fibrosis and the inner aspect- nucleous pulposus.
The inner part (nucleous ) is suppose to contain mainly water, until the 3rd decade of life the gel substance of the nucleous is composed of 90% water. This amount reduces with age.

Dessication refers to the drying out of these discs. The disc between L5 and S1 is dried out or dessicated.

Repeated loading on the back and seemingly insignificant trauma to the back can cause small tears in the disc. Tears in the annulus cause bulging of the nucleous (central disc bulge).

All bones have facets. These are the areas where the bones come into contact with each other.
The MRI stated there was hypertrophy (increased size) of bilateral (both sides) facet joints in those specific vertebra.

This occurs as a result of degenerative changes in the back and is usually related to arthritis in the spine.

Sacralization means that the L5 vertebra is fused with the sacrum. In your case this is partially so.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 hours later)
I have to bring this MRI to. A new pain management group can you give me any idea what the prescription protocol for this type of pain is . As I mentioned I also have follicular lymphoma and had surgery on my neck to remove thirteen lymph nodes during the surgery a lot of nerve damage was done. I had been seen by the palliative care group at Moffit cancer center and the amt of medication prescribed there was three 80 miligram OxyContin and six 30 oxycodone for breakthrough pain. What are your thoughts on this

doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
physical therapy, spinal education, medication

Detailed Answer:
HI

Treatment can be classified as surgical or non surgical.

Non surgical options are explored first.
This would include: (1)physiotherapy,

(2)spinal care education,

(3)cognitive and behavioural therapy to look at the potential disability that can occur with prolonged back pain

(4)medication- IN addition to the pain medications that you mentioned above neuropathic (nerve related) medication may also be used . This includes medications such as tegretol, lyrica, gabapentin, topiramate, amitriptyline.

The pain managment group would may continue your present analgesia if it is effective for you.
If it is not effective the medication would need to be adjusted.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Have Had MRI Of Spine. What Are The Findings?

Brief Answer:
degeneration of the discs and vertebra

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are discs present between the vertebra. These discs have different functions including absorption of shock and distribution of forces in the back.

There are two main parts of these discs: the outer aspect called the annulus fibrosis and the inner aspect- nucleous pulposus.
The inner part (nucleous ) is suppose to contain mainly water, until the 3rd decade of life the gel substance of the nucleous is composed of 90% water. This amount reduces with age.

Dessication refers to the drying out of these discs. The disc between L5 and S1 is dried out or dessicated.

Repeated loading on the back and seemingly insignificant trauma to the back can cause small tears in the disc. Tears in the annulus cause bulging of the nucleous (central disc bulge).

All bones have facets. These are the areas where the bones come into contact with each other.
The MRI stated there was hypertrophy (increased size) of bilateral (both sides) facet joints in those specific vertebra.

This occurs as a result of degenerative changes in the back and is usually related to arthritis in the spine.

Sacralization means that the L5 vertebra is fused with the sacrum. In your case this is partially so.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions