What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017

Question: Hi, I am 32 years old and working from Home whole this year (IT guy). Started lower back pain from last 2 months. Done MRI. Feels burning sensations sometime and stiffness. My doctor said it is not slip disc kind and need physiotherapy. I am slightly worried due to reading things on internet. Have quick questions,
1) Does report MRI shows any major issue like slip disc?
2) Can it be cured by physiotherapy?
3) I love sports and fitness. Can I able to play cricket, goto gym like earlier ? Please help here as I am worried as people say back pain last longer.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
L5-S1 disc bulge

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist, here to answer your query.

I have gone through your MRI image and report.

1)Yes,There is a disc bulge at L5-S1 level.It is causing some nerve root exit foramina narrowing.
2)You will remain fine if you do regular spinal exercises with proper technique and along with initially, you will have to take medicines for 1-2 months.
3)Gym weight bearing exercises need caution here.If at all you are doing them,they must be under the guidance of a qualified physical trainer. Playing games is ok, provided you are doing spinal exercises regularly and maintaining a healthy posture.For the same,you must visit a physiotherapist with excellent knowledge who can teach you spinal exercises.

Lastly, I suggest you to get a serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels done and if deficient,supplementation must be taken.

Hope that helps.If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (12 minutes later)

Hi Doc,

Thanks for valuable comments.

1)Yes,There is a disc bulge at L5-S1 level.It is causing some nerve root exit foramina narrowing.

Does this major? Do I need surgery in future? Can't be I just normal after all? I am taking Vitamin D spray and B12 injections as well. Let me know if I will be healthier like earlier as I am slightly worried

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms will improve.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Answers to your query are-
1)It is not so major as if you need surgery,at the moment.Symptoms are likely to improve with medicines and spinal exercises.
2)Most of such patients live a normal healthy life with just posture and spinal exercises.Very few need surgery.
3)If you are take care of your spine well,you will be healthy.
4)Don't worry.Take care of yourself and go to a good physiotherapist.You will be fine.

Hope that helps.If you have any further questions,you are most welcome else please close the thread,rate it and write a review.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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