Lumbar Lpine MRI results need second opinion

I recently had a new MRI on an old lower back injury from when I was 21.  I did physical therapy in the past and the problem almost entirely went away.  I am 33 years old now and more recently I had a lump near my spine that I was told was just fatty tissue(lipoma) not a neroma or something else like it.  I was told by a doctor that this fatty tissue is too close to my spine to remove and he didn't recommend it.  But when I feel it on my back it's a good two or three fingers away from my spine and feels unconnected to the spine.  So there are really two issues here.  The fatty tissue and what to do about that, and the older residual back issue that I thought was gone but apparently still exists in my lower back.  I have no pain from the old lower back issue, but want to have a good back my whole life and will do whatever I can to keep it healthy.  Here are what my MRI results said:  1. MRI of lumbar spine demonstrates at the L5-S1 level, there is a greater then right annular disc bulge with annular tear which posteriorly displaces the traversing left S1 nerve root and would clinically correlate for encroachment.  There is a mild bilateral neural foraminal narrrowing.  2. Moderate central canal narrowing is present at the L3-4 and L4-5 level secondary to epidural lipomatosis and facet arthropathy with minimal annualar disc bulges.  Foraminal extension of disc bulge and facet arthropathy result in bilateral neural foraminal narrowing, greater at the L3-4 level of secondary to foraminal extension of the disc bulge with annular tear.

Thanks I would love as little or as much feedback on this so I can better understand it, and know the best way to move forward with all of this.  I've attached one of the MRI images that shows where the lipoma is with a marker.

Much thanks

Eric

[Kalvin]

I'm confused about the purpose of having this most recent MRI, were you able to feel this lump prior to this scan?

I can understand you concern about the lipoma, the 1st consideration would be whether or not it’s causing any symptoms, and from your post I gather that it isn’t. Your MRI states that it’s causing moderate canal narrowing. Did your Doctor say anything about this thing possibly growing? If I was you, I’d get a few more opinions on this, you’d be crazy to have surgery if it’s not causing any problems. But on the chance that it might in the future, you need to explore all your options so you’ll be prepared.

As far as the rest of the MRI, you have a few issues there, but with the absence of pain there’s nothing to correlate the findings too, you're lucky. It’s not usually for MRI’s to show disc bulges and changes in people that have absolutely no symptoms what so ever and visa versa. The best way to take care of your back is to remain active and maybe spend some time in a structured Physical Therapy setting if you feel the need.


Take Care

[DP7]

Thanks so much for the response it really helps me to understand my issues.  To answer your first question I was able to feel it for some time before the MRI.  I had another doctor look at it 2-3 years back and he said something similar don't worry about it unless it bothers you.  Over the past three years most of the time it doesn't bother me, but somehow every now and again it seems to get inflamed and that's when I worry that it could be getting bigger or worse with time.  My doctor didn't say anything about it growing, neither the one three years ago or the most recent one.  Although I would love to do something, anything before surgery to shrink it or attempt to get rid of it.  I also appreciate your information about the other issues in my back.  They've been there for some time and mostly gone away, no pain there, but maybe some occasional aching you know?  I've been told many times that I need to stay active and I've always been a very active person exercising appx. 4 times a week for the past 12 years.  In the last four or five years I've tried to introduce more yoga into my routine which seems to help as well.  Any other thoughts for me to address this better?

Thanks

DP7

[Kalvin]

No, I don't have any additional thoughts with regard to your activity level, seems like you have everything pretty well covered. I wish you continued good health.

Take Care

[Thamsoon0208]

i suffered from SLIPPED DISC RECENTLY!!! Any suggestion and successful example, I am 15 years old now and just went for MRI. thanks for reply~ PLEASE

[DP7]

Sorry Thamsoon,  

I've never had a slipped disc so I don't know how far to go with you.  I would say that from my back issues I've learned you're probably young enough to recover.  I was told to not strain my back so don't lift anything heavy, always be active, yoga, running, is good, weight lifting fast quick motions like that aren't.  I did physical therapy for about a year, and have kept it up intermittently on my own.  I can only tell you from my experience that has helped me, but I never had a slipped disc.

Thanks

DP7

[squirtatious]

If your not symptommatic, I wouldn't be too concerned!!! Don't worry about fixing what isn't broken at this time is my suggestion:)