What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 31 Jul 2017

Question: I was suffering from back pain.
I consulted orthopedic.I took out the MRI of Lumbar spine and x -ray too.
MRI suggested compression of L2-L3.
Lumbar canal diameter at L2-L3 is : 0.6 mm
Lower cord and cauda equina is normal.
all other things are normal.
Basically from the MRI , DOC concluded that in L2-L3 there is compression.

treatment suggested are :
1.painkiller like Ultrarite(paracetamol and Tramadol hydrochoride)
2.Physio therapy

if not relived then painblock injection and if stiill pain then spine decompression operation.

I want some advice whether along with the pain killer and physio, can I take any medicine which will help in decompression of the spine.
so that the operation can be avoided.
and along with the physio and painkiller , spine decompression can be achieved by medicine.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question, reviewed the reports and understand your concern.

There is disc prolapse at L 2-3 level causing significant compression of nerve roots.

This causes low back pain and numbness like feeling in lower limbs on prolonged standing or walking.
The physiotherapy helps in building the muscle strength and improvement in disc prolapse.

Pain killers and muscle relaxant also help in increasing disc space and reducing disc prolapse.
No medications lead to disc prolapse reduction.

Surgery is required in non-improving cases.

Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (37 hours later)

what are any other painkiller and muscle relaxant I need to take along with
Ultrarite(paracetamol and Tramadol hydrochoride).
As suggested by you I believe no nerve specific medicine is needed.

and thanks for the suggestions

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You can take zerodol TH instead of ultralite twice daily if pain is severe.
Pain due to nerve compression responds well with pregablin, gabapentin or amitriptyline. It can be added if required.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana