Help Reading and Understanding my Condition on this MRI Report.

[Roxsburyrage]

had a MRI on  June 8th -2009  on my Lumbar spine without Contrast.And the Report says as follows.
Technique Sagittal and Axial T1 and T2-weighted scans of the Lumbar spine were obtained and compared to a previous study performed on 8-6-2001.
Findings: There are Degenerative disc changes most prominent at L2-L3 and L4-5 Characterized mainly by varying degrees of Loss of Disc space signal on the T2 weighted scans.Disc space height and signal are relatively well maintained at L5-S1.No new Marrow signal abnormality is seen at any level.
There has been interval decrease size to the previously noted broad based central disc herniation at L4-5.Persistant posterior disc bulging is evident at this level but this results in minimal ventral thecal sac impingement and no evidence of High grade central canal stenosis. There is a linear annular Tear of the cetral/posterior disc margin at this level.
No new disc bulges or herniations are seen. There are stable facet degenerative changes at L3-L4 and less so L5-S1.The L5 body again may be partially sacralized.The Conus ends normally at L1. No paraspinal masses are seen.
I was hoping someone could ease my mind on how  serious my condition could be and can anything be done so I can continue of working and enjoying sports still in my Life .I am only 37 years old and have a long way to go.I have trouble getting up out of bed in the morning but once I am up it seems to lossen up but I live with Pain everyday and it never seems to go awat somtimes so bad I can't walk or feel my leg or foot.Please Help
Thank You

[bodydoc]

I read your MRI report and you have a lot of little things but nothing significant at this time.  I am a chiropractor, start going to one, get a referral and 80% of the symptoms will be gone in three days to three weeks.  People do not understand why, their body is breaking down, it's simple.  Your vertebral bodies are out of alignment and they cannot handle the load.  One day people will get the big picture.  If your body is out of alignment.  Nothing works properly.  Remember, pain is not your worry, it's those same nerves that are causing your pain supply all the organs of your body.  Get with the program and start understanding how your body works.  Dr. Paul

[kittyluv1]

The MRI shows evidence of degenerative disc disease which has changed since your prior exam in 2001.  DDD is a normal process due to the wear and tear on our spines as we age.
The process may be swifter in individuals who perform increased activity which requires frequent bending, twisting, lifting etc.
On your recent films:
L2-L3 :   Degenerative changes with loss of disc height
L3-L4:    Degenerative facet changes  (facets are the "hinges" of the vertebrae at the      
             back of the spine.) which are not changed since prior exam.
L4-L5:    There is a decrease in size of the previously noted central disc herniation, but
             there are some posterior bulges noted which is causing some minimal
             impingement (pressure) on the thecal sac (sac protecting the nerve roots),
             but no narrowing of the central canal (through which the spinal cord travels).
             There is a tear in the annular covering (protective covering of the intervertebral
             disc, but no new bulges or herniations,
L5-S1:    Degenerative facet changes which have increased since prior exam, but the
              disc height is maintained.   The body of the L5 vertebra may be partially fused
              to the S1 vertebra.

There doesn't appear to be any significant nerve involvement or narrowing (stenosis)
of the spinal canal.  While you may be experiencing low back pain, it may very well respond to treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to strengthen your core muscles of the abdomen and back.  

A reference tool (with great colorful graphics) which explains the anatomy of the spine in great detail can be found at:  www.chirogeek.com    It is written by someone who has had lumbar spine problems and is primarily an educational tool to help others understand technical and medical terminology so that they can better communicate with their physicians and chiro or ortho specialists.
You can read his personal story (or not), but if you click on the various topics at the top of the page, you will find a lot of information that may assist you further.  I think the illustrations alone are very well done and make the subject matter easier to understand.

Hope this helps you --- post again with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----          

[Roxsburyrage]

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