Question



I have been having lower back pain,and pain shooting through both legs sometimes. My MRI Report states that L3-L4 fluid in right joint facet. L4-L5 fluid in both joint facets. L5-S1 disc has about 4-5 mm protrusion, which doesn't appear to be impinging on the nerve roots. It does appears to be pressing on the tecal sac centrally through and the signal is decreased inside, and there is some disc dehydrationas well as loss of disc height. Also had 12 visit of PT which help a little. Please advise what this mean and course of treatment. Thanks

Answer
Able,

You actually have more than one health issue. Obviously the facet swelling is a sigh that you have bio mechanical problems going on. (This would be similar to a swollen ankle after you have twisted it. Be aware this can happen to the joints in your spine with either a very traumatic accident or several micro traumas that happen over a period of months to years.)

The disc involvement may have come about due to the same mechanisms as dicussed above as well as the dehydration of the disc(s).These are the initial steps to degenerative joint disease.

I would seek the care of a Chiropractor who utilizes spinal decompression along with oxygen therapy. You can visit www.lifechangingcare.com to find a list of these doctors in your area. Also I am glad to hear that PT or conservative therapy is affording you some relief. That is a good sign that Chiropractic care may also be of benifit.

I would exhaust all forms of conservative care prior to having surgery concerning your disc issues. If in fact you did exhaust all conservative measures any surgical considerations should be kept to as non invasive as possible such as lazer surgeries.

Good luck with this health issue and please seek care immediately if not sooner.

Dr John Q Quackenbush