Is there a doctor in the house??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hdexpert · #1 10-19-2007, 01:37 PM

Just had an MRI for my lower back pain a few days ago but my Dr. appointment isn't for a few weeks. Just wondering if anyone can translate this info for me. Thanks!!!

L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. Bulging disc with superimposed central and paracentral HNP, more prominent central and leftward, abutting the ventral thecal sac. Facet arthropathy with biforaminal stenosis appearing moderate-grade abutting the exiting L5 nerve roots.

S1-S2 protruding disc within the right foramin and facet tnthropathy with right foraminal stenosis that appears moderate-grade with abutment of the exiting right S1 nerve root.

kerry · #2 10-19-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdexpert

Just had an MRI for my lower back pain a few days ago but my Dr. appointment isn't for a few weeks. Just wondering if anyone can translate this info for me. Thanks!!!

L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. Bulging disc with superimposed central and paracentral HNP, more prominent central and leftward, abutting the ventral thecal sac. Facet arthropathy with biforaminal stenosis appearing moderate-grade abutting the exiting L5 nerve roots.

S1-S2 protruding disc within the right foramin and facet tnthropathy with right foraminal stenosis that appears moderate-grade with abutment of the exiting right S1 nerve root.

I'm not a doctor, but from what I've learned from having my own spinal problems I think I can interpret some parts of the interpretation of the MRI.
You've got two separate herniated discs, above each other at the base of the lumbar spine and top of the sacral spine. The one at L5 pushes directly back into the area where the spinal cord runs and also to the left. The herniation at S1 does not protrude into the spinal cord area but into the area where the nerves exit on the right side. Facets are the joints that articulate each spinal vertabrae with the next. There's one on either side and yours are getting worn out. This correlates with the foramin problems. The foramin are the passages (right and left) where the nerves exit the vertabrae. It looks like the deterioration of the facets is causing these exit tunnels to narrow down, probably putting pressure on your nerves. Both foramin are narrow at the l5 level but only the right side is narrow at the s1 level.
If you look closely at the MRI you should be able to see these problems by comparing the different levels.

dynalow · #3 10-19-2007, 02:33 PM

It means you have been riding hardtails way too long.. and need to get off the scooters !!

Seriously, here's a site I found a few years when dealing with my cervical spine issues. Ultimately, I ended up with a 5 level posterior fusion. Hope you aren't that bad,HD
Best of luck to you.

http://www.spine-health.com/

The Swede · #4 10-19-2007, 03:19 PM

Since being here (Jan '01)

I have yet to run across any actively posting physicians, there was a chiropracter "SpineDoc", but haven't seem a post from him in a long time.

Medmech · #5 10-19-2007, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

Since being here (Jan '01)

I have yet to run across any actively posting physicians, there was a chiropracter "SpineDoc", but haven't seem a post from him in a long time.

Do you think a physician would give advise over the internet?

The Swede · #6 10-19-2007, 04:25 PM

Damn Safari, no quote again.

Yeah, there's the usual fear of being sued. Who knows though. I vaguely recall a Doc here, might have been retired though.

Medmech · #7 10-19-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

Damn Safari, no quote again.

Yeah, there's the usual fear of being sued. Who knows though. I vaguely recall a Doc here, might have been retired though.

There is a Doc from Grand Rapids and I think Spinedoc got a Lexus.

hdexpert · #8 10-19-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Howitzer

Do you think a physician would give advise over the internet?

Wasn't looking for advise, just a translation of the medical terms.

MTI · #9 10-19-2007, 05:08 PM

Long story, short: It seems to describe a dengenerative condition in the low back which has started touching and narrowing the conduits through which nerves connect to the spinal cord. That touching can result in pain or numbness at the low back or "radiate" to legs and feet.

There are a number of treatments, starting with doing nothing to surgery to remove the disc and fuse the joints.

kerry · #10 10-19-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

Long story, short: It seems to describe a dengenerative condition in the low back which has started touching and narrowing the conduits through which nerves connect to the spinal cord. That touching can result in pain or numbness at the low back or "radiate" to legs and feet.

There are a number of treatments, starting with doing nothing to surgery to remove the disc and fuse the joints.

There are also artifical discs available for that part of the spine now.

The best forum I found on spinal problems is this one:

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=251

Mistress · #11 10-19-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Howitzer

Do you think a physician would give advise over the internet?

bonehead

t walgamuth · #12 10-20-2007, 06:47 AM

Hey, I don't worry about getting sued for giving out free Architectural advice....nobody listens anyway!

I used to wonder why the Bonehead Doctor would act so radical, him being a doctor and all....finally I realized he isn't a doctor. Then I wondered why he called himself that?

Tom W

aklim · #13 10-20-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdexpert

L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. Bulging disc with superimposed central and paracentral HNP, more prominent central and leftward, abutting the ventral thecal sac. Facet arthropathy with biforaminal stenosis appearing moderate-grade abutting the exiting L5 nerve roots.

S1-S2 protruding disc within the right foramin and facet tnthropathy with right foraminal stenosis that appears moderate-grade with abutment of the exiting right S1 nerve root.

The short of it is that the piece of cartilage / disc(padding) between the vertebrae has bulged into the adjacent vertebrae. Part of the nerve running through the length of the vertebrae is thus pressed on by the bulging disc which may cause some numbness /pain in the affected leg. There is also some narrowing of the foramen (openings) in the vertebrae which contributes to the nerve impingement. Also some bone channges because of aging.if surgery is recommended, do consult also with a neurosurgeon verses plain orthopaedic.
Best thing to do is get one or 2 medical opinions before opting surgery - lose weight; practice good body mechanics. Is it affecting your daily work and living? Take calcium with D to strengthen bones.