Spine questions

[sixthvertabrae]

We just found out that my daughter who is now 13 was born with a 6th Lumbar Vertabrae. Tests show that she has mild kyphosis and schmorls nodes. It seems almost impossible for me to get a second opinion on what treatment should be. Our family doctor is a nurse practioner and thinks physical therapy will help her deal with the pain. If she has to have surgery I would rather do it while she is young. If anyone has heard of these things or knows anything about them please contact me!

[JainMD]

Hi Blue,
What are your symptoms at present?
What was the impact of accident? Did you suffer any problem of lower back since childhood?
Your imaging study suggests that there is a developmental abnormality in which the first sacral vertebra is incompletely fused with the fifth lumbar vertebrae.
In normal cases it is not fused and gives stability during walking, sitting, standing.
But in your case it is partially fused on left side hence you would have some tilt on your left side routinely.
Also the nerve which supplies to left leg, chances are there for it to get compressed at exit.
Do you have any associated symptoms?
Bye.

[Blue900]

What is incomplete sacralization at the left side of L5.  I got x-rays after a car accident and the report said, the vertebrae were intact, with normal alignment, and normal disc spaces. But also said there is incomple sacralization....what does this mean, will it be a problem in the future

[mp3schwartz]

I am a 43 year old woman who has also had xrays, MRI's and other tests confirming I have a 6th lumbar vertebae. This is a real deformity that is fairly common. I was told by my neurosurgeon and primary doctor that it occurs in about 1 in 1,000 people and varies in severity. I have seen my xrays with my own eyes and had my doctor explain my condition to me. My grandfather had the same 6th vertebrea, so perhaps it does run in families. My 6th vertebrae is a REAL lumbar vertebrae, just like L1 thru L5, but it is fused to my sacrum, but slightly crooked, so it has caused me much lower back pain my entire adult life. 6 years ago, I had a severely ruptured intervertebral disc L4/L5 (which ruptured as I stepped out of bed one morning...no accident or fall involved) which sent me to the ER with excruciating pain worse than any of the 7 childbirths I have experienced... and required emergency surgery--a partial laminectomy. The surgeon told me later that when he was actually removing the disc matter from my spinal canal, the rupture was much worse than had appeared on the MRI. He said I would have most likey have been paralyzed from the ruptured disc and below with loss of bowel and bladder control IF I had not had the surgery so soon. The nerve damage was minimal since the nerves were not impinged for long. I have recovered remarkably well, and after 6 years, I only have occassional numbness or tingling in my left leg and foot as well as intermittent back pain if I do too much physical activity that puts strain on my lower back, or if I sleep in a odd position. Don't put off any further tests or physical therapy. Prevention of a ruptured disc is would be wise on your part! :)

[prakash68]

my wife is suffering from sacralisation of 5th vertebrae and incidental in tests it has come to notice that there is an ovarian cyst. some are recommending ca 125 test. is it required and what is the solution.

[prakash68]

treatment for sacralization of 5th vertebrae and sacrum

[ezzriider]

I am currently 42 year old male that just had a X-Ray of the lower spine, it showed that I have A sixth lumbar vertebrae which is variant of normal with incomplete sacralization of the sixth lumbar vertebra on the left. Also mild deformity of the sacrum and coccyx and the differential diagnosis is old trauma from a fall. Also spina bifida at L6. Question would this be the cause of my lower back pain and why? I have had trouble all my life with low back pain could this cause the pain i feel

[chirotor]

A 6th lumbar vertebrae should not require treatment and often a slight kyphosis or schmorl's nodes should not either.  It is possible that if your daughter is in pain, that she may benefit from chiropractic care.  Most chiros are well-versed with the problems with children, also www.chiropractic.org links you to the International Chiropractic Assoc. which also has a diplomate program in pediatrics and can refer you to one.  While PT may provide some pain relief, you don't want to let anyone do surgery or prescribe long-term medication until you have tried chiropractic.  Good luck.

Rick Lindwall D.C.

[Enoch Choi]

A sixth lumbar vertebra usually refers to sacralization or fusion of the 5th lumbar vertebra to the first sacral vertebra.  This usually does not require treatment, and doesn't usually cause pain.  Even if a second opinion from an orthopedist is not available, consider a second opinion from a different specialist, such as a physiatrist or a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

Enoch Choi, MD