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What Can I Do When MRI Shows Mild Compression Of Nerves In The Lower Back?

Posted on Wed, 12 Jan 2022

Question: Hello Dr.

Hope you are doing great!
I met you 4-5 years back regarding my backpain and you advised MRI .
After 4-5 years, now I am getting same pain in my right leg and consulted local doctors and he also advised for MRI.

Could you please help me to review the MRI report and suggest me the finding?

Latest MRI report details: Date : June 17th, 2018.
LAB diagnostics

Techniques:
TSE T2 Axial and Sagittals
TSE T1 Sagittals
STIR coronals.

Findings:
Loss of bright signal on T2 WI suggest diffuse degenerative disc diseases of all discs.

Lumbarization of S1.
L3-L4, L4-L5 & L5-S1 disc protrusion seen indenting the thecal sac.
Anterior marginal osteophytes noted in multiple vertebral bodies.
Type - I endplate chanhges noted in L3, L4 and L5 vertibral bodies.
STIR hyperintensity noted in bilateral illia and sacral ala - inflammatory.

Rest of the vertebral bodies are normal in height and signal intensity pattern.
Posterior neural elements are normal.
Ligamentum flavum is normal.
Distal cord, consus and filum teminale are normal.
Pre/Paravertabral soft tissues appear normal.

ANTERPOSTERIOR LUMBAR CANAL DIAMETERS AT DISC LEVEL:

L1 - L2 ---- 15.5 mm
L2 - L3 --- 14.7mm
L3 - L4 ---- 14.3 mm
L4 - L5 ---- 14.7mm
L5 - S1 --- 10.0 mm.

IMPRESSION:

1. Lumbarization of S1.
2. L3 - L4m L4 - L5 & L5 - S1 disc protrusion seen indenting the thecal
3. Diffuse degenerative disc diseases of all disc.
4. Anterior marginal osteophytes noted in multiple vertebral bodies.
5. Type - I endplate changes noted in L3, L4 and L5 vertebral bodies.
5. STIR hyperintensity noted in bilateral iliax and sacral ala - inflammatory.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI shows mild compression of nerves in the lower back.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have seen the MRI reports and gone through your clinical details. The report shows compression of nerve in the lower back (lumbar region) due to bulging of discs. The compression is minor and does not need surgery.

You would get better with physiotherapy and medications.

Physiotherapy would include back extension exercises and pain relief measures such as IFT.

Medication would be pregabalin capsules.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (24 hours later)

Hi Dr.

Thank you for the update and valuable suggestions.

I have following queries to check with you, plz help me to understand in better way.

1. Do you recommend me bike riding? Or Shall I avoid riding bike?

2. I would be happy if you advice me the sleeping position.

3. I would be happy if you suggest me the best seating position and supported chair if needed.

4. Any diet suggestions?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can ride a bike.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

1. You can ride a bike, however, drive slowly, taking care to avoid "jumping off" speed breakers and potholes.
2. Sleeping position can be usual, which is comfortable for you.
3. You should sit straight, in a chair with back support. Get up and walk for a minute, every 30 minutes.
4. Diet can be normal.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar