Exam Code Summary

[Smickles6]

I had a MRI done in 2011 and was told I had degenerative disc desease of the Lower Lumber Spine. I just had one done today and  The report states:
L2-L3: Mild annular bulging. Moderate facet hypertrophy. Small marginal osteophytes. Mild central and mild bilateral foraminal narrowing.  L3-L4: Right paracentral/foraminal protrusion of disc herniation is moderate to large in size resulting in right foraminal narrowing with potential impact on right L3 nerve root. Correlate for right L3 raduiculopathy. There is a mild central and mild left foraminal narrowing. L4-L5: Degenerative disc osteophyte complet with loss of disc height and moderate facet hypertrophy results in mild central stenosis, moderate left and moderate foraminal narrowing. L5-S1: Mild annular bulging with mild facet hypertrophy result in mild bilateral foraminal narrowing. Impression:
1. Moderate right foraminal stenosis at L3-L4 secondary to right paracentral/foraminal disc herniation. Correlate for right L3 radiculopathy. 2. Mild spondylotic degenerative change at remaining levels as described. I am looking for clarification of the terms as I do not understand them. Thank you

[Smickles6]

Thank you for the information. I do have pain and it appears that it has gotten worse since I was first diagnosed in 2011. I have been on hydrocodone since then and the doctor is talking about cortizone shots in my spine but I have heard that doesn't always work. I have a hard time sitting, standing for long periods of time and can't even bend without pain. I wonder is there another way around this without painkillers or the shots in the back.

[caregiver222]

Essentially there is a narrowing of the passageways through which the nerves pass. If you do not have any pain or discomfort this is nothing to worry about, but a yellow flag. Degenerative disc disease does not get better. It indicates that in the future you may have nerve impingement, specifically to the sciatic nerve. This is generally reflected in buttock pain and pain down one leg.  It would probably be a good idea to have a consult with a physical rehab specialist and begin the exercises that are taught to those with sciatic pain, avoid all lifting, and if you do lift properly. The vertebra are separated by cartilage and these discs have been damaged. Again, as long as they are not causing trouble, the general drill is to leave well enough alone. Keeping well-hydrated is essential. If there is discomfort, sleeping with a pillow between your legs will help. Avoid foods such as nightshades, which tend to inflame the tissues. If there is pain opiates (morphine, oxycontin etc.) are useless, as the problem is glial cell inflammation, which do not have opiate receptors. On a short-term prednisone will stop level ten pain, but if used for more than a few days will cause further irreversible deterioration to the discs.  What will help is a TENS device and transdermal lidocaine patches, worn for no more than twelve hours a day. Avoid muscle relaxers, which destroy muscle tone, and sports such as bicycle riding that cause and up-and-down force on the lumbar vertebrae.