Cofused with results

[TracyLC]

I have had lower back pain for 4 years, it has now spread to lower back, upper back,arms,neck and legs. I have had 4 previous MRI's the last one stating that I have a 3mm tumor on L1 nerve sheath.  My current MRI does not say anything about the tumer but, had a new term I do not understand.  The results are: At L5-S1, Disc Dehydration in the small midline disc bulge are present (knew about this from previous MRI's), however the central canal or neural foramina is significantly compromised. This part is new, and I do not understand what it means. Please help.

[mike1105]

the neural canal and central foramina-- the central foramen is the space where your spinal cord is. the neural foramina are openings where smaller nerves exit the spinal column. if these areas are "compromised" it means that there has been a decrease in the space in these areas. as far as treatment is concerned, the only way to open these spaces is surgically. HOWEVER--back pain is usually present for OTHER REASONS, such as muscle imbalance and poor posture. IF these compromised areas were giving you symptoms, i think the symptoms would be different--ie weakness and numbness.
The fact that this pain is pretty much "ALL OVER" leads me to believe your pelvis may be out of whack ,and your head posture may be bad. Get a book on posture by Paul D'Arezzo and fix that, work on your core etc before seeing a neurosurgeon. Too many people are operated on based on MRI findings. "Findings" are not always the cause of pain. In my humble opinion, findings are USUALLY not the cause of pain.

[TracyLC]

I actually have seen two different neurologists and one ended up being a quack ( no offense to good doctors out there).  However each MRI keeps coming back different and this last one I really do not understand.  I sympathize with you regards to not being able to pick up your kids.  It is scary when an emergency happens and you can not pick them up to help.  Hope your visit goes well, and they can figure out what is wrong. Best wishes and take care.

[lolagee]

I posted a question yesterday and have had no response yet.  My back issues are similar, bulging disc at L5-S1 and L1-2.  I have been living with this pain for 9 plus years and all doctors just brush me off.  Although I do not have answers for you, I do wish you the best of luck in your search and advise you not to give up.  Everyone told me it would get better with time and 9 years is alot of time.  Now I have a 20 month old son that I can not longer pick up.  I have an appt with a neurologist this month, my first one ever, everyone is telling me this is the best route to take.  If you have never seen one maybe you should try the same.  Good luck and take care