A lot of pain and my CT Scan results

[Nana_28]

I have a lot of pain in my lumbar spine. In the morning is very difficult to stand up. Sometimes I need to hold something just to help my self to stand up. I also cant walk straight. Im a teacher so, when I seat in my desk and need to stand up is very painful. My doctor ordered a CT Scan and this are my results:

Straightened lordosis suggestive of spam. Anterior spondylosis throughout the spine consistent with degenerative osteoarthritic changes. Decrease disc space at L1-L2 and L2- L3 and L5-S1. At the L3-L4 level and L4-L5, there are mild posterior disc bulges flattening the anterior aspect of the thecal sac. No spinal stenosis or neuronal stenosis seen.

What does this mean? Im really in pain.

[Nana_28]

Thank you very much. Im really in pain. Days better. Days worse. I really appreciate your advice.

[femmy29]

I think you gave good advice. I just made one small correction on your post.  I hope you will continue to post as your comments are a great help to others.

femmy :)

[JGF25]

My apologies...According to femmy29 I apparently gave you the wrong advice.  Best of luck with your back and management of your back pain.  .  

[femmy29]

JGF25:  I would just like to correct one incorrect statement that you made in your first post.

Spinal stenosis does not rule out sciatica.  Sciatica is a symptom from nerve impingement from either a herniated, ruptured, or bulging discs and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can aggravate the nerve impingement.  

I also have degenerative disc disease but without spinal stenosis and I do have sciatica.  Sciatica produces shooting/burns/stabbing pains through the buttocks and can travel as far down to the ankles.  It occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, typically caused by the disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae in the lumbar (low back) spine.

Nana_28:  Your MRI also suggests that you have osteoarthritis within the vertebrae in your spine.  The decreased disc space is due to the disc being compressed and/or the progression of the degenerative disc disease which causes the discs to loose fluid.  You have several bulging discs from compression from the surrounding vertebrae and there are a few that are pushing up against the thecal sac (which is your spinal cord that houses hundreds of nerves).  The compression of the discs up against the thecal sac is likely the cause of your pain as the nerves within your spinal column are being irritated.

There are many forms of treatment to help relieve some or most of your pain.  There are minimally evasive back surgery techniques that can remove the part of the discs that are bulging and causing irritation through very small incisions in your back.  However, given the extent of the damage as indicated by your MRI, you may need a lumbar fusion of the vertebrae to significantly reduce your pain.  Only an orthepedic spine surgeon can tell you what your best surgical option is.  There are also very effective pain medications out there that can help you manage your pain.  Lastly, there are injections that can be done to reduce inflammation and thus the pain.

I would not see any chiropractors without clearance from a medical doctor as they can make many back conditions worse.

femmy  

[JGF25]

if you haven't seen an orthopedist then that is your next doctor's appointment.  I have a L4/L5 disc herniation that when I do it up just right causes me to not be able to move without crying.  There are better anti-inflammatories than ibuprophen and also some people take Lyrica.  I was also told to strength my core muscles so that they could take over and my back muscules wouldn't have to work as hard.  So pilates is also good.  

So sorry you are going through this.  

[Nana_28]

Im 41

[JGF25]

Yes, all that jargon.  You basically have degeneration of your spine and apparently some disc problems as well.  No spinal stenosis though which is good so you won't be having sciatic pain running down your legs.  

In any event, these things can occur with age.  I'm not sure how old you are.  For management of this I would consult an orthopedist.  A good inflammatory is needed.  Take your CT Scans to the orthopedist when you go.