What Does The Following MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Question: I would like my MRI broke down to words to understand and what options I have and if anything natural or herbal could help or exercises I could do at home seeing how I live so far from town. I had a Thoraicic and Lumbar MRI and it was compared to 2012. Thoracic- there is a central disc bulge at T1-T2, stable when compared to previous study. there is advanced degenerative disc space narrowing and desiccation involving every level from t5 through t10 there is a focal disc herniation on the right at t9-t10 this abuts the thoracic cord the disc herniation is progressive when compared to 2012, there is a disc bulge at t8-t9( I only remember 3 disc the herniation and the bulgeing why is it getting worse in 2yrs) Lumbar-for the purpose of this dictation the transitional vertebra is named as a partially lumbarized s1. there is a small s1-s2 disc space. the final dominant disc space is named as l5-s1. this is different than the nomenclature on the study of 2012. if surgery is contemplated close correlation of the present study with plain film radiographs is recommended time surgery L5-S1: there is degenerative disc desiccation. Annular disc bulging is more present localized to the right paracentral region. Mild facet arthropathy is present there is right lateral recess narrowing moderate bilateral neural forraminal narrowing present. L4-L5: there is degenerative desiccation Annular disc bulging is present L3-L4 mild facet arthropathy.
next back dr apt not til the 19th of oct

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you are probably having thoracic and lumbar spondylitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your MRI report and here are few important inference in common language.
1. Your thorax and lumbar spine is degenerated, it is common in people who play games, lot of travelling.
2. T9-T10 disc herniation is causing nerve compression. Most of the other level there is not much pressure.
3.One vertebra in spine is relatively free( lumbarized) it is not a disease and can be present normally also. This is more valuable finding for surgeon to remember during surgery.
4.Lumbar spine is also having multiple disc herniation but it is not very serious.

So I do not think you need any surgery at present. I would recommend you to

1.start back muscle strengthening exercises. It will take some time for your back pain to relieve. Some time months, but this is best option.
2.Avoid weight lifting, travelling and keeping your back in same position for long time.
3.Muscle relaxant like Myoril or Myospaz are helpful for short time.
4.Hot water fomentation and voletran ointment is also beneficial.
5. Pregabalin and Methylcobalamine is good for nerve compression.

So I would recommend you to avoid surgery and follow above mentioned steps. You will feel better.

I hope this answer will be helpful. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (23 minutes later)

okay Ty for the break down but I don't play games or travel I am an asst manager and am on my feet a lot, using the dr shols insole the custom fit. I am overweight trying to just cut back and eat healthier but haven't seen much results

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
obesity also causes bad back

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Increase weight and sedentary lifestyle causes more stress on back. Some time there are genetic factors also involved. It is good that you are trying to reduce your weight. But as I said previously do not do any heavy weight lifting , sudden bending or any exercise which causes back pain.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 minutes later)

Thank you I understand a little better what is going on. So gradual start exercising glad I asked first was suppose to start a work out video in the morning. The thing is we have been doing the Flexril, and Motrin and Oxycodone for pain. It fell like a gallbladder attack with no gallbladder my dr says the back can cause that. We did the steroid injections seem to help briefly and the pain got more intemse with in two weeks. do pain blocks work?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I do not prefer pain blocks

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I do not prefer these injections as they either have no effect or temporary relief. So If you want to try them no problem but keep your focus on exercises. Also I would suggest you to avoid taking too many muscle relaxant and pain killers.
Rather you should use ointment and hot water fomentation.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju