Help with MRI results

[clr827]

Hi I just had an MRI on my spine. The findings are a bilateral facet osteoarthropathy at L4 -5 more to the right without central canal or neurel foraminal narrowing.At L4-S1 there is left sided facet osteoarthropathy. Can someone please help me understand what this means. The docor wants me to go to pain management to have injections in my spine. Does anyone have any advice ????     Thank you....

[Jaybay]

It sounds like your MRI shows osteoarthritis on both sides of your spine from L5 up to L5.  It's only on the left side from L4-S1.  The important part is the statment, "without central canal or neural foraminal narrowing."  That means that your spinal canal and the nerves exiting from the vertebra are not being squished by bony overgrowth.

I agree with your doctor's advice to try the injections.  They actually do work very well and sometimes last for several months to a year.  You really don't want to mess with surgery unless and until the nerves become impinged.  Don't be afraid of the shots.  You'll be knocked out for the short time they're being done.

[clr827]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to see  the pain management doctor tomorrow for a consultation. I'm going to schedule a time for the injections. I really can't take the pain anymore..He was the one that wanted to do the injections before I got the MRI. My MD doctor seems to think the injections will work I am really scared about getting a needle in my spine.I know a few people the injections did not work.Thanks again !!!!!