Severe Lower Back Pain Radiating To The Legs. MRI Showing Lateral Disc Herniation And Mild Arthritic Change In The Facet Joints. Remedy For Pain?
I have severe low back pain from sharp stabbing pain & pain that runs down my right leg to burning pain in the low back area. My MRI Impression Is: L4-L5 small right lateral herniation, which is in apposition to and causing some slight lateral displacement of the right fourth nerve root in the mid and distal foramen. Centrally, no asymmetric mass effect on the thecal sac . Mild arthritic change in the facet joints. Small left lateral annular fissures at the L3-L4 and L2-L3 levels, only in near apposition to the left second and third nerve roots. Can you help me understand what this MRI means and what are some of my options to relieve the pain. Thank you
Hello,
The disc herniating and compressing on the right L4 root is causing irritation of that nerve root. It supplies some part of the sensation in the leg. So it is causing stabbing pain. The annular fissures are not severe enough to cause such compression but if they increase, it is likely that you may have pain on left side also. For relief from pain, several medications are available which can be taken in consultation with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. If the problem persists, surgery may be required in future.
Good luck.
Dear Stacy
This means you have a lumber spondylosis with disc bulge with mild root compression because of that and that is the reason of your leg pain. You need to do physiotherapy and back exercises. If your pain is not relieved then you can be given painkillers but they have to be prescribed by a doctor before you can get them.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
You found this answer helpful
General & Family Physician, Dr. V.S.Maan's Response
HI
your MRI and symptom shows nerve root compression on the level of L3L4L5 . thes necves goes to lover lims , your rt nerve is having compressin so you have pain in back and lower limb, take analgesic(diclofenac) anti inflametory and musscle relaxant (available 3 in one combination) ,topical ointments also healpfull, dont lift weight, and cunsult with spine specialist for definitive treatment
DR VSMAAN
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Severe Lower Back Pain Radiating To The Legs. MRI Showing Lateral Disc Herniation And Mild Arthritic Change In The Facet Joints. Remedy For Pain?
Hello, The disc herniating and compressing on the right L4 root is causing irritation of that nerve root. It supplies some part of the sensation in the leg. So it is causing stabbing pain. The annular fissures are not severe enough to cause such compression but if they increase, it is likely that you may have pain on left side also. For relief from pain, several medications are available which can be taken in consultation with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. If the problem persists, surgery may be required in future. Good luck.