Needing Members help in understanding report - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

bkunkel1118 · 10-08-2005, 04:04 AM

I have posted here before and have cervical disc disease awaiting surgery. While at work about a month ago I slipped on a wet floor. I felt something pull in the back. Thank goodness I didn't fall. The workers comp. doctor ordered and MRI. This is where I need your help. The report is as follows:
There is no acute fracture or suspiscious marrow lesion. Miminimal dorsal annular bulge at a few of the lower throacic levels wihout canal stenosis.
L1-2 : No significant posterior bulge or canal stenosis.

L2-3: Minimal broad-based bulge with minimal facet arthropathy. Canal size is borderline.

L3-4 Minimal to mile broad-based annular bulge with mild ligamentour hypertrophy and borderline canal size.

L4-5: Mild facet and ligamentous hypertrophy. Borderline to minimal annular bulge. There is minimal central canal stenosis.

L5-S1 Mild broad based bulge with mild facet hypertrophy. No significant central canal stenosis. There is mild bilateral foraminal stenosis. Disc space is dengenerated and narrowed with vacuum phenomenon. A tiny synovial cyst is associated with the right facet in a subligamentous location, on in the range of approx. 3x4 mm.

The pain I am having is in the posterior hip area. And my left leg is numb. I am still working and can do most things. What are my treatment options? Anyone know? Thanks for any information.

hugo eve · 10-08-2005, 04:50 PM

Hi Bk

Strictly from a layman's perspective it would seem that you are not about to have an operation for this area. Um... how old are you? For your peace of mind you need to find out how big the gap is between your cord and disks (canal). Cyst probably needs checking out. "There is mild bilateral foraminal stenosis" could be causing leg probs. Traction would probably help that plus muscle strengthening. More often than not it settles down over a few months.

Hugz.

bkunkel1118 · 10-08-2005, 05:24 PM

I am a 54 year old female. Never had any low back problems. I have just underwent 3 weeks of PT. Currently on predinsone for other joint problems. I am having numbness in the outer aspect of the thigh. Also my staff noted today that I am tripping on my left foot. This is something that I have noticed since the work related injury happened. The PT person noticed that I am weak in the left leg. I wish that age didn't happen. I need a new spine. Thanks for the reply.

hugo eve · 10-09-2005, 12:10 AM

bkunkel1118 wrote: "I need a new spine."

Don't we all... grin! The body is just a vehicle for the spirit.

Hugz

wimpette · 10-09-2005, 01:45 PM

Hi bk,
Wish my MRI looked as good as yours

seriously though there are other areas that can cause your symptoms, some of the joints or areas the sciatic nerve passes through can become inflamed and cause pain and weakness, should resolve with time and patience. PT and a good exercise regimen really help also see if you've been positioning your body in weird ways when you're at work or sleep. If there is an area of inflammation a steroid injection in that region might also help if things don't get better on their own.
Hope things resolve soon,
W