Results - MRI Spine Lumbar W/O

[erma5892]

Had an MRI a few days ago and doctor had called to say everything looked good except "normal wear and tear."  However, under the impression section he wrote "OK" next to everything but the last item which reads, "Nonspecific signal intensity changes within the bones of the lumbosacral spine.  Clinical correlation suggested to exclude anemia."  Earlier in the report it also read, "The bones of the lumbosacral spine of intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted sequence consistent with decreased marrow fat/increased hematopoietic marrow.  This is a nonspecific MRI finding and is seen in normal patients but is also associated with a variety of chronic diseases and hematologic disorders.  Clinical correlation suggested to exclude anemia."  I looked around on the internet for a bit and found one site that indicated, "nonspecific signal intensity changes can indicate a sign of inflammation or injury."  Is that a possibility?  I have been experiencing right low back pain, that sometimes radiates behind right knee and to top of right foot, particularly when driving and right leg is engaged.  Actually feel pretty good when up and active but driving can be bad.  Primary has not received these results yet and not overly impressed with Sports Medicine MD who told me that he thought it was coincidence all my pain was on the same side and that right foot/right back were not related.

[erma5892]

Thank you very much for your response.  I am still waiting for results from blood work that was done this week but they did include CBC and Thyroid (I have hypothyroidism and take Levothyroxine daily); my iron levels and blood sugar have been normal in years past.  Your words on positional sciatica are reassuring, I do feel better when doing yoga and stretching, but will consider pursuing a nerve conduction study as well.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. The pain you experience while driving looks more like sciatica. You may be having a pinched sciatic nerve in certain positions. A nerve conduction study may be diagnostic. This usually will respond to physiotherapy.
Other than this, yes non-specific signal intensity may be due to anemia or inflammation or a bone injury too. You need further tests to look into it. Please consult your GP to run blood tests for anemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems etc. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.