Want to interpret my MRI results?

Hi everyone!

Does anyone know about the lumbar region or has had a similar situation to the one I am about to describe? If so, jump on in! I don't see my doctor until Friday

I was in an accident last year that reaggrivated a herniated disk. Fast forward 13 months and I have had a few epidural shots (only helped a little, very temporary) and a facet radiofrequency. I was sent for an MRI to see if we are going for surgery as my last MRI was a year ago. I've been diagnosed as having radicular pain and have been in intermittent agony with pain in my leg, butt, and sometimes into my calve/foot on the left by big toe.

So....MRI impression: Shallow Broad-based central disk protrusion (L5 S1) indenting the ventral aspects of the thecal sac

Does this mean pinched nerve?
Surgery?

If you made it this far and have some sort of experience or expertise, please chime in. Thank you!

Want to interpret my MRI results?

is that all that was mentioned? doesn't mention nerve impingement, or cord compression? no size listed for protrusion? the thecal sac is the sac of fluid around the cord. doesn't mean the cord is being pressed on. does it mention anything about foramen? exiting nerve roots?

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

First, I have no medical training, this is just based upon my own knowledge.

Sounds like you have a herniated disc that is indenting on the sac surrounding the spinal cord. This could be why you are having radicular pain.

Surgery would not be suggested based on MRI results alone, but would need to be correlated with clinical findings. Depending on your doctor, more conservative treatment may be recommended first such as steroid injections and chiro treatments. Surgery options could be minimally invasive such as a microdiscectomy.

Message edited 11/11/2014 9:36:54 PM.

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

Want to interpret my MRI results?

honestly, based on that description alone, i doubt you'd find a surgeon who would suggest surgery. typically they only want to do it if there is a definite nerve impingement. Or if you had severe stenosis, which is not mentioned. they're probably go for more steroids, injections, PT and time. maybe pain management depending on the doc. do you take anti-inflamatories for it now?

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

Have you been to a chiropractor yet?

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

sounds like a herniated disk.

i had one in the same spot. i put off surgery for a LONG time. i refused to do a fusion. then another option was available. i had a microdisectomy. they removed the herniation without removing the disk. took about 3 weeks to recover. that was in 2010. since then i have NO leg or butt pain. my sciata pain is gone. if you need a recommendation for an amazing neurosurgeron let me know. and make sure the doctor is a neuro! not just an ortho.

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

Yes, mine specifically mentions spinal stenosis, and the S1 and L5 nerve roots.

I discussed the mri report with my chiropractor and also my primary physician so I understood exactly what it meant. I did a lot of research online and discussed with them both how to reduce the inflammation.

I hope you feel better soon!

Re: Want to interpret my MRI results?

It looks like I am in the same boat as you. I was told that if surgery is recommended it would say so right on the MRI. Also, if it was actually touching the nerve the MRI would state that as well. My disc is herniated and bulging but at this time is not touching a nerve according to the MRI but funny thing is my leg and butt go numb at times and I feel pain down both my legs but I have been told that most everyone has herniated discs and I just need to deal with the pain....Still not sure what I my next steps will be. I haven't had the time to really do my research. Good luck and keep us posted on your outcome!