Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 5/15/2009

Question
I am having alot of pain.  I have an idea that my back has some slipped discs, but cannot interpret everything.  I beg you to provide some, just a little insight.  Thank you so much!

 The report says:

Vertebral bodies are normal in height.  There is disc dessication at t10-11, t11-12, and t12-L1.  Alignment is anatomic.  The conus medullaris has a normal appearance and terminates at approxiamately t12-L1.  T10-11 There is a small right paracentral disc protrusion.  There is no cord compression or canal stenosis.  Neural foramina are patent.  T11-12 There is a small to moderate central disc extrusion.  There is no cord compression or canal stenosis.  Neural foramina are patent.  T12-L1 There is a small left paracentral disc protrusion without significant central canal or foraminal stenosis.  L1-2 through L4-5 Unremarkable  L5-S1 There is a mild facet hypertrophy without significant central canal or foraminal stenosis.  Prevertebral/paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable.  

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Camie,

It sounds like you have quite a trauma to your back.  The report explains that your discs are damaged but not severe enough to endanger the spinal cord.  Your back may be going through arthritic changes as well.  The back pain may stem from these sources.