Can you please help me with these MRI results?

[rtjrevie]

I recently had an MRI for chronic low back pain that I have had for 3 years and has progressively gotten worse.  Here is what the impression states:

1.)Slight posterior subluxation of L5 in relation to the sacrum.
2) Degereative changes of the L%-S1 disc space level are noted along with a broad left paracentral to left lateral recess disc protrusion that does lead to slight displacement of the exiting left S1 nerve root sleeve and dto mild left lateral recess narrowing.
3) No significant neural foraminal narrowing is noted throughout the lumbar region.

Can anyone make any of sense of this and give me a heads up as to what I should expect?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Kalvin]

Well it's good you don't have any leg symptoms. The disc is protruded, which is a type of bulge/herniation, the good news is that its still contained, in other words it hasn't ruptured. The disc space has been come narrower or small, and that can create a few problems, but all in all your report isn't really that bad. With the exception of the slight displacement of that one nerve root sleeve, there's no mention of any nerve involvement.

P.T. can help, give it a chance, and the injections can help too.

Take Care

[rtjrevie]

Most of my pain is in the lower back, but occasionally moves into my left buttocks and tailbone.  None down my left leg (yet).  The pain is there all the time although some days are better than others. When it flares up it is bad for a few days.  It hurts to bend, stoop, sit, sleep, lay flat, sneeze/cough etc.  When I talked to the doctor for a breif minute on the phone, he said that my disc has become smaller (degeneration) and there was no nerve involvement???? Doesn't this state there is "slight" involvement?  I need to go in next week to further discuss my results and options.  He stated it will be something I will deal with the rest of my life.   Stated that injections may be an option but at this time it looks like PT.  Anyone ever have any luck with PT? He said it probably won't help but for insurance purposes I may have to do it. I am 32 years old, active, fairly descent shape/health and don't know of any specific "trauma" that may have caused this.  Thanks for all your help, I appreciate any advice.  I am just trying to make sense of this before my appointment so I know my options.

[Kalvin]

Ok, subluxation is the Chiropractors favorite word, and means out of position or alignment, so your L5 is slightly out of alignment in relation to S1.

And at L5-S1 you have a disc protrusion, which in its self can cause back pain, that has slightly moved your left S1 nerve root sleeve. Are you having any pain down the left leg or is it all in your back?