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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does The X-ray And MRI Indicate Regarding Slip Disc?

Hi, Iam 35 years age and I have been diagonised with Slip Disc at L4-L5 Lumbar area and my X-Ray report says that I have Marginal osteophytes notes at multiple level in upper dorsal spine and my SI joints are normal and also my MRI says mild degenerative facetal arthrosis of all the lumbar facet joints are noted bilatterally. Can you pls explain what it is? Am I a Arthritic?
Tue, 23 Sep 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The MRI findings are as follows

1. Small bony degenerative changes are seen in the small bones of the lower back. These occur due to aging and are a form of arthritis due to aging, This is different from the arthritis in young age.

The degenerative changes have occurred at multiple levels and can be expected if you are elderly. The Facet joints are the joint structures that connect the vertebrae to one another. The facet joint is like any other joint in your body – they have cartilage that line the joint, (this allows the bone to glide smoothly over one another) and a capsule surrounding the joint. The function of the facet joint is to provide support, stability, and mobility to the vertebrae (spine). Facet Disease occurs when there is degeneration of the facet joint.

2. The slip disc is also probably due to wear and tear associated with aging. If there is no nerve root compression then treatment is by physiotherapy, taking pain killer medication when required and by applying ointment containing muscle relaxants. Please avoid heavy physical activity.
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What Does The X-ray And MRI Indicate Regarding Slip Disc?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The MRI findings are as follows 1. Small bony degenerative changes are seen in the small bones of the lower back. These occur due to aging and are a form of arthritis due to aging, This is different from the arthritis in young age. The degenerative changes have occurred at multiple levels and can be expected if you are elderly. The Facet joints are the joint structures that connect the vertebrae to one another. The facet joint is like any other joint in your body – they have cartilage that line the joint, (this allows the bone to glide smoothly over one another) and a capsule surrounding the joint. The function of the facet joint is to provide support, stability, and mobility to the vertebrae (spine). Facet Disease occurs when there is degeneration of the facet joint. 2. The slip disc is also probably due to wear and tear associated with aging. If there is no nerve root compression then treatment is by physiotherapy, taking pain killer medication when required and by applying ointment containing muscle relaxants. Please avoid heavy physical activity.