My MRI report

[Troopers]

My MRI report says this:

L4/5 and L5/S1 discs show decrease T2 signal.

L4/5 disc also reveals a small posterio-central focal protrusion, minimally indenting the thecal sac. There is no nerve compromise. Bright signal seen in the posterio-central aspect of L4/5 disc, may represent annular tear.

L5/S1 disc reveals posterior and (L) paracentral focal protrusion mildly displacing the (L) descending S1 nerve root. Bright signals seen in the posterio-central aspect of L5/S1 disc on T2 weighted images may represent annular tear.

The rest of the intervertebral discs are normal in height and intensity.
Posterio elements are normal.
Prevertebral soft tissue is unremarkable.
Lower end of the cord, conus and filum terminale display normal signal intensity.
Bony spinal canal is normal.

Impression: MRI Lumbar spine reveals:

1- Small posterio-central focal protrusion of L4/5 disc.
2- Posterio and (L) paracentral focal protrusion of L5/S1 disc.
3- Bright signal seen in the posterior central aspect of L4/5 and L5/S1 discs may represent annular tear.

I was only told that i have slipped disc, can anyone tell me whats happening in layman's term and what sort of free treatment(student here)  i can take on?

Before, as long as I do not strain my back by sleeping on the floor or carrying too heavy stuff or slouching too much, I'm perfectly ok. The pain starts usually when i start slouching on a chair for about 15 minutes, and lasts for days up to a week, which then i return to normal again. So my back pain activates only during that situation.

But now, I have trouble climbing out of bed ( but once I'm out, it takes a few minutes for my back to not hurt). So, I'm wondering that the springs of my bed are worn out, causing me to slump much more than usual resulting in back pain when i wake up or is my condition getting worse? It is as bad as I have to wake up because I'm having back pains and it becomes impossible to continue sleeping, which usually happens around 6 to 7 hours into my sleep, or when i regain consciousness and try to continue sleeping, whichever happens that I'm not sure of.

Thanks in advance.

[garfieldsing]

3 year has pass since 2009 when the Bulging L5 / S1 disc get me to rest for almost 20weeks.

Luckily i did not go for operation as recommended by a senior consultant & professor.

I am fully back to normal health for the last 2 year.
>> Climb 4000m Mount Kinabulu with a 15Kg back pack
>> Explore deep under ground cave
>> Cycling for long distance
>> Taekwondo martial art practice
>> Most important Mediation.

Mediatation practice has contribute greatly to my recovery and anybody looking at this mail should serious consider it.

[noneck]

Annular tears are very painful, caused by protrusions. See a neurosurgeon, nothing can fix an annular tear, except for removing the whole disc. The annulas surrounds the nucleus of the disc. A fusion of the L4-S1 is possibly in order. They do these so well today, look for the newest procedure, usually by a new surgeon, the older they are, so are their procedures. their are so many new kinds of fusions today and saw a new one on the news the other day, I always wondered why they didn't do it that way, now I see it today. they run a screw from the bottom of the spine through the body of the vertebrae into the next on and so forth. As a mechanic and way to many surgeries, I see this as major progress! Good Luck!

[garfieldsing]

Now i have physical recovered almost 98%. No pain. No Numb. Can run. can walk 10Km. Treatment by physiotherapist and exercise regular with positive attitude has lead me to road of recovery. Doctor was amaze. Have faith in physiotherapist.

[Troopers]

Ok, will try swimming at least once a week. Will let you know if I feel better, thanks a lot for your help and good luck ^_^

[garfieldsing]

Physical condition can be improve by exercising regularly.

Swimming or exercising in water can help to accelerate the healing process.
Exercise on land must feel pain due to body weight.
Body weight lighter in water.
Can perform workout to stretch and strengthen muscle with min pain.

My physical condition improve very rapidly within 4week. Doctor was amaze.

[Troopers]

Thanks for the reply, garfieldsing. When you said recovery, is it a total and complete recovery? I was told that the condition can only stay at it is, or get worse.

Without starining my back, there will not be any pain. If i accidentally activated the pain by slouching a bit for like 15 mins, it would stay for days.

I was given a list with a set of excercises but I ignored it because i never thought it would help. And no money to seek medical help currently so I would do all I can to prevent the pain from coming. Thanks for the reply.

[garfieldsing]

Dear Trooper,

I have similar issue at L4/5 and L5/S1 with compression on nerve root due to huge disc bulging. I have partially recovered within a short time frame of 4week.
First consult a good physiotherapist to customize a  set of exercise for you.

Second go to a swimming pool and do the exercise recommended. Visit the pool about 4 times a week for about 2hour per visit.

Third. Do the recommended exercise  about 4 times a day.

Important points :
Recently i have recovered from severed pain. Swimming has accelerate my recovery duration  from 8 weeks to 4 weeks

Movement and exercise will help to accelerate the healing process.
Lying down on bed will drag and lengthen the recoverey

[Troopers]

Bump

[Troopers]

Anyone?

[Troopers]

If possible, people here with the same symptoms can provide some advice or help please? Thanks ^_^