MRI Report on my spine

[kingrollo]

Since my mid 20's I have needed injections in the facet joints to keep my lower back pain free. In September 2018 I had a major flare up - the worst ever. I had an NHS MRI - But the treatment was provided at a private hospital (NHS paid) - I had facet injections and nerve ablation - both of which failed to give any long term releif.

I requested and got a copy of my MRI report - which appears not to mention any problems with the facet joints - here is the report - does anybody with medical knowledge know what this means ?


MR lumbar spine
There is perhaps minimal degenerative disc disease L4-5. Slightly more obvious signal loss are seen
within the lumbosacral disc. There is also posteriorly in the left tear in the L5-S1 disc manifest by a high
intensity zone within the annular fibres. There is a small posterior disc bulge here but is well contained by
the anterior extradural fat.
Elsewhere there is very little to see. There is minimal early for set and a bilaterally at L5-S1.
There is no evidence of a significant focal disc protrusion. Exit foramina appear normal.
Marrow signal is normal throughout.
Spinal canal is of good capacity throughout the lower cord and conus appear normal.

 

[Cycleops]

I should take it to your GP to translate.

 

[Rocky]

Wot he said ^^

 

[kingrollo]

Yes will do that - but :-

1.The GP doesn't have a copy of the report

2.I don't enjoy a great relationship with my GP - 90% certain they will just tell me to take painkillers as and when - thats why I want some understanding of the significance of the report - which appears different to what I have been told. - and what my treatment options are.

 

[tom73]

Right Mrs 73 just had a read
In short
Some signs of a Arthritis
A tear in the disk
Mostly effecting the lower spine
If that helps ? Feel free to ask if you for more

 

[kingrollo]

Right Mrs 73 just had a read
In short
Some signs of a Arthritis
A tear in the disk
Mostly effecting the lower spine
If that helps ? Feel free to ask if you for more

What are my treatment options ?

Is it foolish to continue cycling ?

 

[vickster]

An experienced physio will also be able to explain and advise treatment options that don't involve surgery or solely drugs (they may well be part of an effective rehab / maintenance programme though). They'll also advise around cycling. I doubt they'd say it's foolish unless it causes you significant pain during and especially after.
Did you ever have a bike fit done by a physio if cycling does cause back issues?

Have you seen a specialist yet (pain/neurosurgeon/Orthopaedic) since the scan (which was over a year ago?)

 

[tom73]

Basically painkillers (which I know your looking to avoid as much as possible) and Physio who can help you work out how to manage things.
Operations on backs normally now are last option.
She not an expert on backs so can only offer help going on what she's read and knows.
Based on this she can't see it making it worse If you can tolerate it then carry on but don't go over over doing it.
She also say's talk to your GP I know your not the best of friends but look's like you need to talk things over with them. To help open up other options.
You need to find options that allow you to manage things which is more than likely going to be a combo of options .

 

[kingrollo]

An experienced physio will also be able to explain and advise treatment options that don't involve surgery or solely drugs (they may well be part of an effective rehab / maintenance programme though). They'll also advise around cycling. I doubt they'd say it's foolish unless it causes you significant pain during and especially after.
Did you ever have a bike fit done by a physio if cycling does cause back issues?

Have you seen a specialist yet (pain/neurosurgeon/Orthopaedic) since the scan (which was over a year ago?)

Yes - as a result of the scan I have had facet joint and nerve ablation injections. But these have
not respondedd as well as previous jabs.

 

[vickster]

Yes - as a result of the scan I have had facet joint and nerve ablation injections. But these have
not respondedd as well as previous jabs.

Ah ok, but the specialist didn't explain the MRI report? Everyone I have ever seen (lots do specialists ) has explained the scan findings before anything else

 

[kingrollo]

Ah ok, but the specialist didn't explain the MRI report? Everyone I have ever seen (lots do specialists ) has explained the scan findings before anything else

Yes they said I have some wear on the discs and facet joints.
But the actual report seemed to suggest something different - but MRs Tom's interpretation is saying roughly the same.

 

[vickster]

Yes they said I have some wear on the discs and facet joints.
But the actual report seemed to suggest something different - but MRs Tom's interpretation is saying roughly the same.

Not every radiologist will report every last tiny abnormality, especially if it's wear and tear consistent with age. Presumably the Dr looked at the images and based on your description of symptoms, examination and history, felt the facet joint wear even if minimal worthy of mention / documentation to your medical records

 

[screenman]

One thing I would like to add is change to a different GP, soon.

 

[kingrollo]

One thing I would like to add is change to a different GP, soon.

They are all as bad as each other aren't they ?

I put in a FOI request asking how many patients had been referred for orthopedic surgery in the last year.........the answer ....

60 !!!!!!

Presumably the others either went private or were given co cocadamol .....no wonder there is opoid addiction.

 

[screenman]

They are all as bad as each other aren't they ?

I put in a FOI request asking how many patients had been referred for orthopedic surgery in the last year.........the answer ....

60 !!!!!!

Presumably the others either went private or were given co cocadamol .....no wonder there is opoid addiction.

No they are certainly not all the same, are all cyclist the same?