Help with Husband's MRI Report Please

[TSingh0916]

The L3-4 interface shows a mild broad based central posterior disc protrusion, which measures approx. 3mm beyond the adjacent posterior vertebral body margin. There is effacement of the adjacent anterior thecal sac and narrowing of the recesses. The upper neural foramina appear preserved.

The L4-5 interface shows a mild broad based central posterior disc protrusion, which measures approx. 2.9mm beyond the adjacent posterior vertebral body margin centrally. There is effacement of the adjacent anterior thecal sac with narrowing of the right neural recess. There is mild facet arthropathy with neural foramina appearing preserved.

The L5-S1 interspace shows no significant disc protrusion or stenosis with the neural foramina appearing preserved. There is mild facet arthropathy greater on the right.

[philnoir]

I am sorry to hear of your husband's discomfort. I don't know who is treating him or what his treatment options may be.

First, he needs a good diagnosis.

From what I read in the MRI, his back disease is still in the early stage. He might receive the least invasive, most effective treatment from a board certified interventional pain physician. These doctors are usually trained in anesthesia, with additional training and certification in interventional pain management techniques, pain theory, and treatment of chronic pain with medication.

Check with your local university medical center for a pain clinic with this kind of specialist.

[TSingh0916]

My husband is a Truck Driver & did long hauls. Back in early July 2014, he inured his back while under the trailer of the semi. He has done 12 treatments of PT, 6 treatments of Chiropractic. Some times the pain is on his lower back left side that goes down 1 or both his legs in the buttocks. It stated off on the left side, 4-5 wks ago it went from the left side to the right side, a few days ago it is now back on the right side. He takes Tramad/ Acetamin 37.5/325, Naproxen SOD 550MG & Methocarbam 750MG. He has been taking these since July 14. It helps a little but not much. At times he can barely walk or get up. Most of his pain hurts when he goes to sit down (even before actually sitting & when he goes to get up from either laying down or sitting. Pryor to that day at work, he has never complained of pain in his back, buttocks or legs. He also puts cold packs on thos areas listed above, expecially the buttocks & lower back area.

[philnoir]

L3-5 interface shows a mild broad based central posterior disc protrusion -- there is disc prolapse that presses against the spinal cord. This is not considered a serious problem, but may cause pain.

L4-5 - There is mild facet arthropathy with neural foramina appearing preserved. This is a mild osteo-arthritis disease of the facet joints. The nerve roots are free of impingement. Again, this is not a serious condition, but may cause some pain in the lower back.

L5-S1 - There is mild facet arthropathy greater on the right. - this is a mild osteo-arthritis disease of the facet joints. The nerve roots here are slightly impinged, more on the right side. This can cause pain down the right leg to the knee, and in the buttocks.

All are signs of degenerative disc disease which is a common part of the aging process. Treatment is usually physical therapy along with NSAID type medications for pain and inflammation.