I have just got MRI done for my Spine. and got the following report. Help me understand this plsDisc desiccation at L3/L4 levelMild diffuse posterior bulge at L3/l4 causing indentation of spinal theca, mild lateral recess compromise, mild impingement of traversing nerve rootsDiffuse posterior bulge at L4/5 causing indentation of spinal theca, mild lateral recess compromise, mild impingement of traversing & exiting nerve roots, minimal narrowing of both neural foramenMild diffuse posterior bulge at l5/S1 causing indentation of spinal theca, mild lateral recess compromise, mimimal impingement of traversing nerve roots
Hi, thanks for writing to Chat Doctor. All the above-mentioned MRI findings are suggestive of degenerative process in your lumbar spine (lower back) with intervertebral disc bulges causing compression over the adjacent nerve roots that supply the entire leg. Due to these problems, you might experience low back pain along with occasional shooting pain down the leg with tingling and numbness. Nothing to panic about these findings and the problem as such, as it is treatable. The initial management of this condition is by conservative methods as follows -- Change your daily activities so that you avoid movements that can cause further pain, especially bending forward and lifting as it will worsen the disc protrusion. - Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles-Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back and worsens the disc bulges-Maintain optimum body weight, if you are obese-After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. - Use muscle relaxants and analgesic medications as needed. If you fail to improve with the above measures, consult an orthopedic surgeon for further management. Hope this information is helpful. Good day