I finally got my MRI results yesterday and I just need someone to help me understand a few things.
To start with I have scloliosis, which no other doc noticed before not even on x rays-is it possible to overlook that? I also have some big long name( I am requesting a copy of results) that basically causes muscle spasms in my back - why? And the part of your spine from shoulder blades to your sacrial or lower back (I guess) is straight as a board and is supposed to be curved...anyone heard of that before? And I have degenerative arthritis in my vertebral joints that is causing the joints to overgrow and compress together....so what exactly is that and what complications are there? And I also have slightly bulging discs from L2, L3, L4, L5, & S1....so what does that mean? Is that a problem?
Sorry I have so many questions but I was so upset and shocked to hear this from my doc that I just didn't question very much, it was a lot to handle. I was expecting a pulled muscle or something and I heard all of this crap! So if anyone can give me any info at all I would greatly appreciate it....thanx

[This message has been edited by GlitterFairy (edited 06-27-2003).]

Hi Glitter and welcome! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
If you can quote your MRI results someone will probably be able to give you some more detailed help.

Your thoracic spine is the twelve vertebrae connected to your ribs, the mid-back as it were. That part of your spine is supposed to have a gentle convex curvature. Your lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) spine each have a concave curvature. It is these three curves which give your spine its shock-absorbing capability. If one is straight, it will not absorb shocks as well.

You may have developed scoliosis recently. For example, my last MRI showed scoliosis which was not present earlier. You see, my body is twisting away from the pain on my left side, causing scoliosis (twisting of the spine).

Arthritis can cause pain and loss of movement at the joint. Gentle exercise and/or PT is the best treatment, other than the standard anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements.

Bulging discs .... L1 through L5 are your lumbar vertebrae, and S1 is your sacrum. You have discs between each of the vertebrae, and they are named by the vertebrae that flank them, e.g. L5-S1 disc is between lumbar vertebra 5 and the sacrum. I have never heard of S2! I thought there were no discs down there because all the sacral vertebrae are usually fused together. Maybe you have an unusual spine. Ask your doctor about that.

Bulging discs are present in many people and they have no pain. However, they may also be a cause of pain because they could be pressing on nerves, since that area is very nerve-rich.

Be aware that the spine is a very complicated area and your pain may be caused by any number of things. Most back pain resolves on its own within several weeks to months. Physical therapy can help.

Best of luck!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Telzey

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4 years of back pain
Annular tear L5-S1 diagnosed 5/02 via MRI
IDET 12/2/02
1/26/03 Posterior disc prolapse occurs after sitting too long after walking. Causes new pain down left leg.
3/1/03 Leg pain reduced with exercises from the book "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie.
3/9/03 New buttock and thigh pain and numbness.
3/25/03 Used McKenzie techniques to treat buttock and thigh pain -- pain reduced
4/4/03 Started physical therapy
5/8/03 Still worse than pre-IDET, but showing slow improvement with PT, McKenzie exercises, yoga, and Hanna Somatics exercises
5/30/03 PT suggests buttock and thigh pain may be from facet joint