low back pain

[mingliechin]

Hi,

    I was just wondering if I could ask my doctor for another type of imaging in my lower back including S1 joints?I already had 2 mri's and 2 x-rays and different reading? I am seeing 2 different doctor and had 2 different diagnosis..Pain meds are not helping, Nsaids meds too.still having low back pain and pain down to my foot and hip..


thank you

[mingliechin]

Hi,


    I would like to ask any idea about this " The cul-de-sac is small at the level of L5-S1. There is widening of the anterior epidural space at the level of L4-L5 and L5-S1. .

I am still having the low back pain at its worst when standing/walking feel better when i sit..

thank you so much.. i just don't know who to ask..

Take care..

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

MR angiography stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It is similar to MRI, with the difference that it is specific for blood vessels. I has a suspicion of a vascular insufficiency.

Do keep me informed about the EMG / NCS.

Regards

[mingliechin]

Hi goolia75,

      yeah he diagnosed me with S1 radiculopathy too. But he told me when he ordered the 2nd mri he said the dics looks fine.which i'm still having  the same pain and symptoms..so, i don't know. i'm kinda frustrated about it. i just want my back fix and have my life back like it used to be.. by the way thank for the reply.. :)

[mingliechin]

Hi doc,

         Thank your for your reply I really appreciate it. what is MR angiography?I had been going for physical therapy for more than 3 months now but it seemed it wasn't helping me.my neurosurgeon ordered for EMG/NCV for my left leg due to ankle jerk absent and it came on  S1 abnormalities.But he told me when he ordered the 2nd mri he said the dics looks fine.which i'm still having  the same pain and symptoms.


Thank you

[goolia75]

Did your doctor tell you that it was your sciatic nerve? It sounds like it from your description

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

I do not think you need to go in for any further imaging. If the doctors think there might be any vascular problem, you may go for the MR angiography. But that only depends on your symptoms. If you have had neuropathic symptoms, you will probably need EMG.

Regards