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Recent MRI scan results

Hi,

I had a MRI scan a couple of days ago but no one has really explained to me what has happened, I will be reviewed by the spinal team as an outpatient. I have posted the results below and I would really appreciate if someone could explain in non medical terms what is happening.

Here's some background info. I have had a recurring bad back for the past 10 years, but at the side of my back. Usually every six months for a couple of weeks at a time then back to normal. This time around I have had it for over 2 months with the pain being in the centre of my back at the bottom near my coxis. About 3 weeks ago I started to get pins and needles in my right foot toes with the pain being around my ankle, thigh and buttock. The doctor sent me for a MRI scan and here are the results:

"An urgent mri scan revealed no intrinsic cord lesion or any intradural pathology. There is disc dehydraytion at the L3/4 and L4/5 levels. At the level of L4/5 there is a right paracentral disc rotrusion in the right lateral recess compressing and displacing the traversing right R5 nerve root. No significant central canal narrowing. No exit foraminal narrowing at this level. At the level of L5/S1 a shallow disc protrusion within the right exit foramen at L5/S1. There is however enough room for perineural fat."

Thanks for any replies.
2 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. i'll look into a lumbar corset. I'm seeing the spinal team next Thursday but in the mean time have been given cocodamols, liquid morphine and Naproxen.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Basically you have disc protrusion (herniation) causing pressure on the L5 and sacral nerve root. Treatment is usually conservative and involves manual traction, physiotherapy, back exercises, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Supporting the spine with a lumbar corset may also help. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
Helpful - 0
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