[limpygirl]

#8919

Dear Doctor Corenman –

What does this mean? I also have my right leg now shorter than my left due to my hip rotating forward. I have been in PT for 6 weeks, with some relief, however, I am still symptomatic. I need to understand what this MRI report means. Thanks!

L2-L3 there is a minimal loss of disc signal consistent with early disc desiccation this is associated with a shallow diffuse disc protrusion w/o central canal stenosis or foraminal impingement; L3-L4 there is a loss of disc signal consistent with disc degeneration this is associated with a diffuse broad-bas4ed disc protrusion causing mild central canal stenosis w/o mild fomaminal impingement. Similar changes are also seen L4-L5. L5-S1 – there is a loss of disc signal consistent with disc degeneration – this is associated with a shallow diffuse disc protrusion w/o significant central canal stenosis or foraminal impingement. This is slightly more prominent centrally with increased signal along the posterior disc margin consistent with an annular tear.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#8928

Your MRI means you have CBS or “crappy back syndrome”. In reality, you have a genetic predisposition to degenerative disc disease and have tears of all your lumbar spine discs. This will typically cause local back pain that is aggravated by activity. There are individuals with your exact findings on MRI that have no symptoms. This means your neurological system picks up pain signals where the asymptomatic patients don’t even know they have a back disorder.

This condition is obviously painful but not dangerous. A good rehab program will be helpful along with medications and occasional injections. Think in terms of management and not cure and you should be able to live with this.

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.

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