Expert: Dr. Nekessa Remy - 11/25/2009

Question
I fell about 4 months ago and im in horrible pain I got my MRI results I just don't understand them if you could put them in easiest terms to understand that would be great and any advice on what to do next. I have been in PT and seeing a chiropractor for the past 3 months and obviously it didnt help. Thanks.


Vertebral alignment and marrow signal are normal. There are small inferior
endplate Schmorl's nodes at L2 and L3. The conus terminates at L1-2.

The L1-2 and L2-3 discs show normal signal, height and contour.

At L3-4, there is mild disc degeneration marked by diminished T2 signal, mild
diffuse annular bulging and slight posterior annular fissuring. At L4-5,
there is slight diffuse annular bulging with preserved disc signal and height.
The L5-S1 disc is normal.

There is no spinal canal or foraminal narrowing within the lumbar spine.
Paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable.


Answer
The most significant finding is that at L3-4 or your 3rd and 4th lumbar verterbra. The MRI found some degenerative changes occurring at these segments. What this means is that the disc and the space in between these two vertebras is narrowing. There is some degenerative disc disease at this sight, a common cause of arthritis. It is important to note that although these changes have occurred it does not mean constant continuous pain. Although these changes can not be reversed you can get relief with chiropractic treatment or massage therapy etc. The Schmorl's nodes at L2 and L3 are just small dips that are found in the in the vertebra of the spine, they are usually  asymptomatic and due to the a bulge in the centre of the disc. The rest of the findings are insignificant and/or normal.