Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Lumbar Spondylosis
Question: yes, I fell off the frame machine at work in 2007, boss refused to send me to the doctor, said I was faking it, now looking at my present xrays, I have atleast 4 ribs on the left side separated from the vertebrae and atleast 2 separated on the rt separated (upper chest area), and 4 discs that are fused together with arthritis, also arthritis going all the way down to S-1. I now know where my severe pain is coming from, The physical therapist I saw acts like I'm holding back, wish she had what I'm dealing with. Is there a term for this condition other than a bullet?
Brief Answer:
There is mild lumbar spondylosis and muscle spasm on X rays
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in details.
Sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you are in since the fall. Hope my reply gives you a better insight on your condition.
My observations on your X rays includes the following
1. There is straightening of the lumbar spine and this can indicate a lower back muscle spasm.
2. Mild anterior osteophytes are seen in the lower lumbar vertebrae and this is basically a degenerative change of mild nature called lumbar spondylosis.
3. The separated ribs on right side upper chest are normal and due to patient position during X ray acquisition
I understand that the first 2 observations might be causing your pain. Any bulging discs or mildly pinched nerves in lower back will not be seen on a X ray and a MRI scan is required to confirm it, should there be one.
You need to get clinically examined by a neurologist to get a more clear picture for the origin of your pain.
Wishing you a quick recovery.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
There is mild lumbar spondylosis and muscle spasm on X rays
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in details.
Sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you are in since the fall. Hope my reply gives you a better insight on your condition.
My observations on your X rays includes the following
1. There is straightening of the lumbar spine and this can indicate a lower back muscle spasm.
2. Mild anterior osteophytes are seen in the lower lumbar vertebrae and this is basically a degenerative change of mild nature called lumbar spondylosis.
3. The separated ribs on right side upper chest are normal and due to patient position during X ray acquisition
I understand that the first 2 observations might be causing your pain. Any bulging discs or mildly pinched nerves in lower back will not be seen on a X ray and a MRI scan is required to confirm it, should there be one.
You need to get clinically examined by a neurologist to get a more clear picture for the origin of your pain.
Wishing you a quick recovery.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
For atleast a year and a half now, I have been unable to lie on my back or either side without pain-and the feeling like my chest is under pressure from the back pushing my lungs and insides out. At first I thought it might have been acid reflux, but no, after googling thoratic images on the thoratic spine and ribs I'm kinda sorta led to believe that these ribs are moving around, hence pressure on the inner cavity? Any reaching out-up, lifting, cannot sit in any position over 15 minutes with out moving around, standing in one position more than 10-15 minutes, I have to change positions, now my tibia and fibula was broke in 11/04 and the workers comp dr just put a cast on it, and in aug last year another dr checked and said it should have been operated on since the ligaments were ripped up and it was a disaster, (ankle rolled inwards with full body weight on it)-that is also a factor in standing too long, I know. I do feel upper chest pain and is that the discs in the thoratic spine that are eat up with arthritis? I did not fall 3 foot off the fame machine on my lumbar- I landed on the concrete on my upper back and was found unconscious-(out). Every dr acts like the vertabrae in the thoratic spine serve no purpose at all, so why am I in this condition?Also, having been in P.T. for the past couple weeks, last monday morning I took the disc with the xrays into P.T. and let the therapist review them, shortly there after she released me from P.T. saying therapy was going to do me very little benefit it any! I tend to believe somethings not right in my chest and no one will tell me the truth! Did she see something on the xrays she did not want to be liable for? Heaven forbid if I was to choke on food and someone slapped me on the back!
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I certainly understand your fears and pain that has been there for some time now. Somehow there is nothing that seems to be seriously wrong with your bones as visualized on the X rays. May I add that the thoracic spine lateral view is required for complete interpretation of the thoracic spine though things do seem normal as seen on frontal views.
I have re confirmed the ribs to be in normal position. The ribs are attached to intercostal muscles and they do not move about in space. There are ligaments and muscles to keep them in place. The only way it can enter the lung cavity is by breaking into fragments and then one of the sharp pieces entering the lung cavity. Such an occurrence cannot happen in your case.
Discussing further on pain in upper back with change in position might require a detailed evaluation of your thoracic spine. I would proceed ordering a thoracic spine X ray lateral view for you and then a MRI if required. This is to look for any pinched nerves in the thoracic region. Though this is rare in occurrence, it cannot be totally ruled out. I also wonder if there are degenerative changes in your cervical spine and neck region as actions such as lifting weights and reaching out involves nerves originating in the neck region.
Your PT is not concealing anything from your and there is no concern for the ribs at the moment.
Your tibia and fibula fractures might need special consideration if you are still unable to bear weight on your affected foot and leg.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I certainly understand your fears and pain that has been there for some time now. Somehow there is nothing that seems to be seriously wrong with your bones as visualized on the X rays. May I add that the thoracic spine lateral view is required for complete interpretation of the thoracic spine though things do seem normal as seen on frontal views.
I have re confirmed the ribs to be in normal position. The ribs are attached to intercostal muscles and they do not move about in space. There are ligaments and muscles to keep them in place. The only way it can enter the lung cavity is by breaking into fragments and then one of the sharp pieces entering the lung cavity. Such an occurrence cannot happen in your case.
Discussing further on pain in upper back with change in position might require a detailed evaluation of your thoracic spine. I would proceed ordering a thoracic spine X ray lateral view for you and then a MRI if required. This is to look for any pinched nerves in the thoracic region. Though this is rare in occurrence, it cannot be totally ruled out. I also wonder if there are degenerative changes in your cervical spine and neck region as actions such as lifting weights and reaching out involves nerves originating in the neck region.
Your PT is not concealing anything from your and there is no concern for the ribs at the moment.
Your tibia and fibula fractures might need special consideration if you are still unable to bear weight on your affected foot and leg.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
