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What Does This MRI Report Of The Spine Indicate?
Question: DO I REQUIRE FURTHER TREATMENT, OR CAN THIS RESOLVE ON ITS OWN ?
CHIRO ORDERED THE MRI, BUT I FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE THEIR OWN AGENDA, THEY ARE NOT REALLY HELPING ME. MRI IMPRESSION BELOW
IMPRESSION:
1. Left paracentral diet protrusion L5-S1 with euepected displacement of the left Sl nerve root and potential borderline left-sided foraminal stenosis with right-sided foramen considered in the borderline normal range.
2. Small right far-lateral disc protrusion L2-3 level not clearly associated with foraminal stenosis or nerve root displacement at this time
3. Central canal considered in the borderline normal range for caliber at L4-S created by a combination of generalized disc bulge with posterior annular tear along with facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
CHIRO ORDERED THE MRI, BUT I FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE THEIR OWN AGENDA, THEY ARE NOT REALLY HELPING ME. MRI IMPRESSION BELOW
IMPRESSION:
1. Left paracentral diet protrusion L5-S1 with euepected displacement of the left Sl nerve root and potential borderline left-sided foraminal stenosis with right-sided foramen considered in the borderline normal range.
2. Small right far-lateral disc protrusion L2-3 level not clearly associated with foraminal stenosis or nerve root displacement at this time
3. Central canal considered in the borderline normal range for caliber at L4-S created by a combination of generalized disc bulge with posterior annular tear along with facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The MRI report speaks of degenerative changes of the spine which have been created over the years. Such changes occur in many people over the years as the spinal column has to endure a lot of strain, in some such changes are pronounced more than others influenced by genetic factors as well as by possible trauma, heavy physical work etc. As you might well understand by this explanation these changes can not resolve, alas as years go by our spinal column doesn't get younger.
What we can do though is slow down the progression and alleviate symptoms. The initial steps in that regard are physical therapy to undergo exercise programs to strengthen your core muscles to better support the spine and decrease its load as well as medication like Motrin for pain. Chiropractic is another alternative but there is not enough evidence to show its benefit, physical therapy efficacy is more proven by studies.
If physical therapy and pain killers do not work, the next step may be local shots of steroids and anesthetics. The last resort if that does not work is surgery.
Looking at the MRI report though I wouldn't say you need surgery as there is no evident site of compression to relieve, so should continue with physical therapy.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The MRI report speaks of degenerative changes of the spine which have been created over the years. Such changes occur in many people over the years as the spinal column has to endure a lot of strain, in some such changes are pronounced more than others influenced by genetic factors as well as by possible trauma, heavy physical work etc. As you might well understand by this explanation these changes can not resolve, alas as years go by our spinal column doesn't get younger.
What we can do though is slow down the progression and alleviate symptoms. The initial steps in that regard are physical therapy to undergo exercise programs to strengthen your core muscles to better support the spine and decrease its load as well as medication like Motrin for pain. Chiropractic is another alternative but there is not enough evidence to show its benefit, physical therapy efficacy is more proven by studies.
If physical therapy and pain killers do not work, the next step may be local shots of steroids and anesthetics. The last resort if that does not work is surgery.
Looking at the MRI report though I wouldn't say you need surgery as there is no evident site of compression to relieve, so should continue with physical therapy.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
what type of doctor should I see? the chiropractor doesn't seem to be helping..
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Since as I said the focus at this point is on physical therapy, the type of doctor to see would be a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, or a physiatrist as they are commonly called in the US where you seem to live.
He will visit you, and based on history, physical exam findings and imaging will appoint a treatment plan.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Since as I said the focus at this point is on physical therapy, the type of doctor to see would be a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, or a physiatrist as they are commonly called in the US where you seem to live.
He will visit you, and based on history, physical exam findings and imaging will appoint a treatment plan.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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