Question: I am currently awaiting an MRI. I recently took an ambulance to the ER because I could not walk. At times I did not have the strength to turn over. I have had muscle spasms and lower back pain for 3 years. I have not had that level of pain or disability in the last few weeks, however I have lower back pain and have intermittent muscle spasms all over my back, including muscle fatigue. Additionally, I have pain in my buttocks and hips to include quadriceps, and calves. I was wondering what the diagnosis may be as it pertains to either a herniated disc, ruptured disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc(s)

If I do have a slipped disc, will it show up in the MRI regardless of current level of pain or discomfort? It has been 2 weeks since the worst episode over the last three years, where I was unable to walk on my own because of excruciating pain. Now, I just have normal symptoms such as pain, fatigue, muscle spasm, and lower back pain along my spine.

I tried to upload the MRI pictures and results, however, it came on a disc and is not upload compatible to this page. The results I received were: Vertebral body heights and alignment are maintained. The conus terminates at the level of L1, and is normal in appearance. L4-5: There is disc desiccation. There is minimal broad-based posterior disc bulge. No significant spinal stenosis is identified. There is no significant neural foraminal narrowing. There is mild facet artropathy. I was greatly surprised that there were no definitive findings. I had the radiologist and two other doctors concur. At this point, I have been referred for PT, and have a follow up with a doctor that specializes in spinal injections. Also, I am being referred to a rheumatologist and had blood work done. I was told by the specialty doctor that I will not last in the military. I was also told that there will be more images taken at a later date by a sergeant in internal medicine. The procedure given was an MRI LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST. The technique was: Magnetic resonance imaging of the lubar spine was performed using standard pulse sequences without contrast material, CPT 72148. Dr. XXXXXXX I was hoping that this would be a disability that would lead to my separation from the Army because I am worried about my long term health. I was told by a specialist that my pain is not local but seems to be systemic. I was amazed at how inconclusive this was to this point. I am always in pain, always tight, and feel all types of pain from aches, to feelings of blunt trams. Sometimes by vertebrae seems to be tender, however through the latest episode it wasn't. I feel pain in my neck, hips, quads, calves, upper and lower back, sides, all intermittently, all the time. My back seems to be completely erratic with pain. I would like to keep you as my follow up doctor. I will be fine to pay some more fees. How can I continue with you as my outside doctor. Do you have any opinions on this matter. I wish I could have uploaded the images.