[LMcIlvried]

#11190

I have a few questions, as my back has given me problems for years. First, I think you should know that I had back surgery when I was 15, I believe only my L4-L5 was fused. On a current hospital visit, however,AP and lateral views of the lumbar spine including a spot lateral view of the lumbosacral junction were interpreted, and they said that there is mild disc spacing between both my L3-L4 and L4-L5, I was wondering if that means that something was also done to the disc at L3-L4 as well and if not, what could the narrow spacing between these discs mean? I do not have access to my records from that surgery as I was in foster care when it happened. It also says that there is “minimal levoscoliosis of lumbar spine with its apex at L3”. When I was younger I was told it was at 15%, and the last time I went to an orthopedic doctor I was told it was 25%, is that possible, or was a mistake made? If it is possible, does that mean that I need to worry that the levoscoliosis will get worse? And what are the implications of it getting worse? I never had an accident that lead to the herniation when I was 15, and after surgery, three years later, I developed back pain again that has progressively gotten worse, once again without an accident or trauma. I haven’t had an MRI in quite a few years, but was wondering if there were any underlying conditions that could cause herniation and back pain? I also have a lot of pain when sitting, at the lowest point of my spine, and it can be quite painful trying to get up. I don’t know what that means, but just wanted to give you all of the facts in case it helps to answer my questions. I also have severe pain in my neck as well. I know this is the area to talk about the lower spine, just didn’t know if that might help as well. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and I’d greatly appreciate any answers/advice you can provide me with.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#11193

If you had a fusion at 15 of L4-5 but there is no instrumentation (screws and rods) noted on a current X-ray, you had an in-situ fusion (bone graft was laid on top of the back of the spine in hopes of fusion taking place). The fusion rate at that time was about 60% so you might not have had a successful fusion.

Narrowing of the disc spaces generally means that there is some form of degenerative changes of the discs. This degeneration is quite common and by itself, does not mean much.

The statement “minimal levoscoliosis of lumbar spine with its apex at L3” means that you do have an unnatural curve of the lumbar spine (a scoliosis) due to asymmetric breakdown and wear of the disc spaces. The curve has grown in magnitude from 15 degrees when you were younger to 25 degrees now.

There is probably nothing that you specifically did to cause this curve but is due to the natural degeneration of your own genetics.

The best treatment is core strengthening, conditioning of your muscles (aerobic exercises), medications (see website) and ergonomics (changing the way you do things to accommodate your diagnosis). Epidurals might also be helpful.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[LMcIlvried]

#11196

Thank you very much for your response! I have been doing exercises from when I was in physical therapy, and will continue to do them more often!

[Author]

Posts