Help with CT Scan

[Jadestorm]

I've had foot pain for nearly 2 years. It began as a sharp stabbing but has become a near constant ache over time. MRI and x-rays of my foot revealed nothing. NCV test also all appeared normal when checking for tarsal tunnel. It began affecting my low back/hip and legs about 6 months ago. I get sharp pains and some numbness around the area of my outer glutes/hamstrings. Spams in calf. Lateral outside foot pain is sometimes stabbing sometimes aching.

CT scan for low back S1-L2 indicated the following:

From the scoutogram, five mobile lumbar-type vertebrae are present, counting from the lowest T12 rib-containing vertebral body.

Apart from minimal straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis, the alignment is preserved and no fractures are demonstrated. The bony lumbar spinal canal is congenitally capacious. The patient was scanning from the level of L2 down to S1.

At L2-3 through L4-5, no significant abnormalities are detected.

At L5-S1 there is a small generalized disc bulge without significant neural element compromise.

No significant facet joint arthropathies are noted. The visuallized protions of the superior SI joints are unremarkable. THe paraspinal and prevertebral soft tissues are within normal limits."

Altho nothing "significant" was found, is a small bulge enuf to cause low-grade constant pain? Could the straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis be a sign of excessively tight back muscles? I've done everything from physio, massage, chiro, acupuncture and nothing helps the pain except for prescription muscle relaxers.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you very much for your question; although it is quite hard for me to give you a precise opinion here without being able to examine you, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

It sounds to me like disc prolapse conditions where symptoms may originate due to nerve root pressure, pressure on the spinal cord and pressure on the tail bone (L5/S1). Common symptoms could be paralysis of muscles, pain radiating to the arms or legs, thigh pain and numbness, tingling, or weakness. Warning symptoms can include loss of control of the bladder function, paralysis & spasticity of both the legs. If you are suffering continuous weakness and notice reduced strength of muscle bulk in left leg, please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away. Further referral to a physiotherapist for spinal exercises could be beneficial and may produce relief of symptoms. Hope this helps. Take Care & Stay Healthy!!!

[Jadestorm]

I should have clarified - the foot pain is lateral in origin.