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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

MRI results: mild disc bulge with severe facet arthropathy with ligamentum flavum infolding, mild neuroforaminal stenosis and sever spinal stenosis at L4-L5. I am a 68 year old female in good health whose inner left calf feels like spiders are running up and down it. Also tingling above and below the left knee. Do the MRI results show the cause
Wed, 16 Jan 2019
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

The MRI findings mentioned by you do suggest the cause of tingling or discomfort you feel in your lower limbs. In my view, it is likely due to neurogenic claudication caused by spinal stenosis that is narrowing of the spinal canal. It is not uncommon though; due to advancing age, spinal canal narrows due to various factors like disc bulge and joint wear and tear. This gradually leads to compression of nerves that passes through that area producing symptoms like numbness, pain and discomfort. In a few advanced cases, it may even cause limb weakness.

Treatment options vary from physical therapy combined with pain relief medications if needed for mild cases; to use of steroid injections that treat the symptoms for a short duration in mild-moderate symptoms. However, in advanced cases, surgical treatment can be tried which often offers permanent relief. I would suggest you try physical therapy considering you have no major health ailments, after consulting an expert like spine specialist.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef,
General & Family Physician
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What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Hello, The MRI findings mentioned by you do suggest the cause of tingling or discomfort you feel in your lower limbs. In my view, it is likely due to neurogenic claudication caused by spinal stenosis that is narrowing of the spinal canal. It is not uncommon though; due to advancing age, spinal canal narrows due to various factors like disc bulge and joint wear and tear. This gradually leads to compression of nerves that passes through that area producing symptoms like numbness, pain and discomfort. In a few advanced cases, it may even cause limb weakness. Treatment options vary from physical therapy combined with pain relief medications if needed for mild cases; to use of steroid injections that treat the symptoms for a short duration in mild-moderate symptoms. However, in advanced cases, surgical treatment can be tried which often offers permanent relief. I would suggest you try physical therapy considering you have no major health ailments, after consulting an expert like spine specialist. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician