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What Does My MRI Scan Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 23 Mar 2016

Question: hello. first of all thank you all for being here. this app is very reassuring. I'm attaching the result of my latest MRI of my lower back. my understanding is nothing has changed and everything is mild. it does read different than the last one but unfortunately I don't have access to it. Also the last reading had suggestions this one doesn't so it doesn't really help. I have my cd too but would need a computer to upload those images. my follow up with my pcp isn't for a couple of weeks so maybe you can read it and tell me if it shows a reason for of low back pain or if it is like I'm reading it and it's all in my head. any advice or help understanding the results is greatly appreciated. I'm trying to add the clearest shots
thank you XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload images and reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Back pain at this age may be muscular and less likely disc related.
There is no report available to review.
Kindly upload images and reports.
Please provide details of symptoms also.
Severity of back pain, radiation to lower limbs, any weakness, any sensory loss.
I will be happy to help you out.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (38 minutes later)

I attached a few copies but they must not have loaded. I'll attach them again. these are compared to one I had in 2011 as well so it says no change in a lot of places it would have an explanation like narrowing facet joints with bone spurs. I have to request a copy of that one also. If I wasn't morbidly obese during my growing years before my gastric bypass I wouldn't worry as much about bones either but my back is so bad onecalf is atrophying. it has shrunk 2 inches in diameter in the last 4 years now there is a 4 in difference. my long term goal is to make it to my 50s when I've read discs harden and will stop hurting lol.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a neurosurgeon with Mri images

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Still no reports available for review.
In case of back pain and calf thinning, there definitely is compression of nerve roots supplying lower limbs. You need to get examined by a neurosurgeon for need of any surgical intervention.
Medical management includes physiotherapy, pain modulator drugs like pregabalin or gabapentin or amitryptiline.
Pain killers with muscle relaxant may be required for short duration in case pain is more.
Calcium supplements helps in bone strengthening.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

here they are

Also pain radiates down both legs include all of the above. The radiopathy usually burns. The pain in my spine is a stabbing . Sometimes so bad it feels like my big toe on right food is on fire. This has been 10+ years since I weighed almost 400lbs during my growing years before gastric bypass. Also daily tasks are hard but I have little ones and have to push through. I've actually given myself an ulcer with nsaids. I don't know if it's related or not but my mother has spinal stenosis in her cervical spine and it was so bad if they had caught it and done the surgery that week she could have been a quad. I want to avoid surgery at all cost and prefer not to have injections. Before mgtfirst MRI they had to stick me 7 times to get the epidural in for my csection. Anyway a little background

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take medication as advised and continue physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through both your reports.
There is definitely prolapse of disc at L4-5 level.
The symptoms in both legs is due to the disc.
Physiotherapy must be done regularly to strengthen back muscles as in most cases herniated disc prolapse back.
Pain modulator drugs like pregabalin or amitryptiline or gabapentin may be used.
Avoid stooping forward, lifting heavy objects, sitting in squatting position.
Surgical options should be considered if pain is not releived.
In view of gastric surgery get your vitamin B 12 levels for any deficiency.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina