Newbie w/ test results

[Michelle_P]

Hello- I am new to the Back Forum, thanks for having me : )  I have had back pain off and on for years. The pain recently increased, and after a trip to the ER (very unusal for me) I am now trying to find out why it's hurting.

I had an MRI and  X-rays done on Monday. I picked up the results today, but will not see my Dr. until April 1. Any help in interpreting/understanding them is greatly appreciated.

Thoracic Spine X-ray:
Multilevel degenerative disk disease. There is no evidence for thoracic scoliosis, compression deformity or pedicle destruction.

Hip, AP Pelvis and Lumbar Spine X-ray:
1. Right hip x-ray is normal
2. There is minimal degenerative change seen in the left hip.
3. Pelvis and lumbar spine x-rays are normal.

MRI:

L4-5 :Minimal cicumferential disk bulge is identified. There is a superimposed disk protrusion at seen in the left neural foramen  distribution. There is eveidence for superior displacement of the exiting nerve root. Moderate left and minimal right neural foramen encroachment as identified.
L5-S1 : Minimal circumferential disk bulge is identified. There is no central canal stenosis. Minimal neural foramen encroachment is seen bilaterally. There is also mild bilateral neural encroachment.

Impression:
1. Circumferential disk bulge is seen at the L4-5 level w/ superimposed left neural foramen disk protrusion. There is evidence for superior displacement of the existing nerve root.
2. Minimal circumferential disk bulge is seen at the L5-S1 normal. There is no central canal stenosis.

Whew...I apologize for the long post. I wasn't sure how much info. to put .

Thank you!!!

Peace,
Michelle

[Michelle_P]

My symptoms seem to vary depending on how much I have been doing. I almost always have what I call a 'constant headache' across my lower back. If I clean the tub, or the floors, anything where I am bending, then it becomes worse. Pain radiates down my right leg, and sometimes when I am walking, when I go to take a step, my right hip feels like it catches. I became concerned when my upper back became swollen after PT. That's when I went back to the Dr. for further testing.
I did see a chiropractor 2 years ago, and it seemed to work great as long as I went every week. It did not seem like a long term solution. She (and the physical therapist) both said I have the tightest back muscles they had ever felt. I'm not sure how much that affects the pain.

Thank you for your help!

[Michelle_P]

Thank you, SLCPMOM : )

I am (almost) 44. I wondered if the degeneration was age related. That seemed to be what I found when I googled it.  Oddly enough, my pain is in my right leg, and mainly my lower right back. It does radiate across my entire lower back, but the right side is the worst. I was surprised when I read the MRI results, because the changes appeared to be on the left. I just finished 6 weeks of PT and that honestly made it worse. I went fron LBP to swelling on the right side of my upper back. That was when the Dr. ordered the MRI.
I have a feeling this is going to be a frustrating journey.
Thank you so much for your help and prayers.

[squirtatious]

Most important is any symptoms u may be experiencing. They speak louder than tests from my experience. Have u seen a chiropractor?

[SLCPMOM]

Dear Michelle,
In my opinion, your Thoracic and hip Xray show degenerative changes.  I don't know how old you are but this usually happens with age.  Your lumbar MRI shows a disc hernation.  If I had to guess, I would say that you have severe pain in your left leg.
There are several things that can be done to help you with your pain from physicial therapy to injections to surgery.  I'm sure your doctor will go over all your options with you.  Please let us know how it goes.  My prayers are with you.