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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is MRI Lumbar Done ?

I am scheduled for an MRI lumbar. I just looked at my xray report and it shows Examination of the lumbar spine demonstrates significant disc space narrowing with sclerosis and spondylosis at the L1-L2 level. I also see disc space narrowing with spondylosis at the L3-L4 level. There is minimal anterior subluxation of L4 and to L5. I have no back pain except for cramping and horrible siactica pain in my left hip and down my leg. I get cramping in my calfs and thighs constantly mostly after standing all day. Can u tell me what they might be looking for
Mon, 3 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello. The MRI looks specifically at the soft tissue--the disks, nerve roots, and ligaments--that you can't see on plain x-rays. It sounds as though you have one or more herniated lumbar disks with nerve root compression which would account for your sciatica-like pain and the muscle cramps
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Why Is MRI Lumbar Done ?

Hello. The MRI looks specifically at the soft tissue--the disks, nerve roots, and ligaments--that you can t see on plain x-rays. It sounds as though you have one or more herniated lumbar disks with nerve root compression which would account for your sciatica-like pain and the muscle cramps