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What Does My MRI Scan Test Report Indicate?
Question: Hi,
I have back pain for aprox 15 years. It has gotten worse over the years. I would describe it as axial Nociceptive very consistence dull pain in the lower back. MRI showed disc extrusion on L3-L4, L4-L5. Almost all doctors believed the pain came from this area. Over a year ago I had 3 sets of epidural shots on L3-L4, L4-L5 with no significant relief. A day after my last shot (last year) both of my heel started to hurt, the pain lasted for 18 month its only now started to go down.
EMG showed "slowing" in the area of L5-S1 (which on the MRI is intact)
A Neurologist, couple of weeks ago, pointed out that maybe my pain could actually come L5-S1 based on also the area that I was pointing. He also mentioned that L5-S1 is related to my heel pain too.
Last week he injected me with epidural to the facet joints of L5-S1 and Also the one above that.
I think I feel a bit better. The pain went from level 6 to level 4 and i definitely dare to move my back more. Also as a result of the recent shots, the pain now is still deep pain but it is feels masked and less painful.
I don't know exactly where my pain is but its becoming clear to me that a lot of the pain is coming from the very low abdomen as well and not just the back. I know it could be the front of the back muscles..Its been there for years but now i am aware of it clearly.
What do you think my next step should be?
What is that stomach pain, could this indicate something else?
What other test should I run to get ab actual diagnosis?
What other type of Dr's should I try?
Do you have any intuition about what I might have?
What other structures / Organs could contribute to my pain?
I have back pain for aprox 15 years. It has gotten worse over the years. I would describe it as axial Nociceptive very consistence dull pain in the lower back. MRI showed disc extrusion on L3-L4, L4-L5. Almost all doctors believed the pain came from this area. Over a year ago I had 3 sets of epidural shots on L3-L4, L4-L5 with no significant relief. A day after my last shot (last year) both of my heel started to hurt, the pain lasted for 18 month its only now started to go down.
EMG showed "slowing" in the area of L5-S1 (which on the MRI is intact)
A Neurologist, couple of weeks ago, pointed out that maybe my pain could actually come L5-S1 based on also the area that I was pointing. He also mentioned that L5-S1 is related to my heel pain too.
Last week he injected me with epidural to the facet joints of L5-S1 and Also the one above that.
I think I feel a bit better. The pain went from level 6 to level 4 and i definitely dare to move my back more. Also as a result of the recent shots, the pain now is still deep pain but it is feels masked and less painful.
I don't know exactly where my pain is but its becoming clear to me that a lot of the pain is coming from the very low abdomen as well and not just the back. I know it could be the front of the back muscles..Its been there for years but now i am aware of it clearly.
What do you think my next step should be?
What is that stomach pain, could this indicate something else?
What other test should I run to get ab actual diagnosis?
What other type of Dr's should I try?
Do you have any intuition about what I might have?
What other structures / Organs could contribute to my pain?
Brief Answer:
Get ultrasound abdomen done
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Low back pain with disc disease has varied reason for pain. Involvement of nerve root, facet joints, vertebral body may also lead to pain.
Chronic pain improves with physiotherapy, drugs and in some cases anesthesia may be required.
since you are benefiting continue same treatment.
Now regarding abdominal pain, it can be due to renal causes, urinary bladder, bowel.
If you have real concerns then atleast get an ultrasound abdomen.
Rest continue same treatment.
hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Get ultrasound abdomen done
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Low back pain with disc disease has varied reason for pain. Involvement of nerve root, facet joints, vertebral body may also lead to pain.
Chronic pain improves with physiotherapy, drugs and in some cases anesthesia may be required.
since you are benefiting continue same treatment.
Now regarding abdominal pain, it can be due to renal causes, urinary bladder, bowel.
If you have real concerns then atleast get an ultrasound abdomen.
Rest continue same treatment.
hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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