HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does The Following MRI Report Indicate?

default
Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016
Question: What are my options for artists in my lower back from my L3 through my S1, bone spurs, and compression on my nerves.

From what the MRI paperwork states is findings: no significant disk degeneration or reduced disk height. L1 conus termination. Paraspinal soft tissues are seen, normal. Normal spinal alignment. Mild degenerative facet arthropathy in combination with mild ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and mild broad-based disk bulge cause mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis from L3 through S1. Impression: Unremarkable lumbar spine examination, except mild degenerative changes from L3 through S1 causing mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis. No evidence of spinal canal stenosis. What does all of that mean?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Depends upon extent of nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I have read what you sent with regards to your MRI report. You need to talk to your doctor or surgeon about how severe your nerve pain or weakness is for them to determine the treatment options. If the nerve irritation is causing minor problems then weight loss and physical therapy may be helpful.
If problems are moderate then spinal injections of steroids may give you some relief.
If it is more severe and there is risk for permanent nerve damage then surgery may be indicated.
Making the decision about treatment can not be made from the MRI results alone, it needs to be done after you have a complete physical exam and history done by your doctor or surgeon.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 minutes later)
I have asked the worker's comp doctor what is next and he said that I need to get back to driving truck but I can't sit behind a wheel for more than an hour and the company that I work for only hauls anywhere from 41,000 to 50,000 pound loads which I'm afraid will make my back worse. Have been seeing a chiropractor when he has tried traction on me my hips lock and my back hurts for two days after treatment. The worker's compensation doctor hasn't referred me to do anything else. Right now the doctor has me on modified work duty with not being able to lift more than 10 pounds. They have me in a transition to work program standing on my feet for 7 hours a day five days a week which I can not do. I have also informed the doctor of that as well. His response was that I need to get back to work as I have been out of work for two months. I know my abilities and he doesn't want to listen to the patient instead he wants to make things worse.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
very sorry

Detailed Answer:
I am very sorry that you are dealing with this. There is nothing else you can do but be persistent and let them know what you can and can not do. Proving disability on back injuries is very difficult.
You may need to get a lawyer involved if you really can't work and are not getting adequate care.
The Workmen's Comp people have it as their goal to get you back to work as soon as possible.
Could you chiropractor write a letter to them for you stating the extent of your disability?
I hope you get some relief soon
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 minutes later)
Thank you for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you are having so much difficulty
Best wishes to you,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does The Following MRI Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Depends upon extent of nerve compression Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. I have read what you sent with regards to your MRI report. You need to talk to your doctor or surgeon about how severe your nerve pain or weakness is for them to determine the treatment options. If the nerve irritation is causing minor problems then weight loss and physical therapy may be helpful. If problems are moderate then spinal injections of steroids may give you some relief. If it is more severe and there is risk for permanent nerve damage then surgery may be indicated. Making the decision about treatment can not be made from the MRI results alone, it needs to be done after you have a complete physical exam and history done by your doctor or surgeon. Regards, Dr. Robinson