Degenerative changes in vertebra secondary to aging.

Resolved question:
Just got this MRI on my spine and would like a professional opinion.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Neurologist, Medical

Expert:  Dr. Sudhir Kumar replied 4 Days.

Hi,
Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com.

I have seen the MRI picture of lumbo-sacral spine.

It shows degenerative changes in the vertebral bodies and discs.
There is reduced space between the vertebral bodies.
Also, there is evidence of slipped discs at multiple levels, namely L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, more pronounced at L3-4 and L4-5 levels. The nerves at these levels may be compressed by the prolapsed discs.

In conclusion, these abnormalities are mild to moderate in severity and may result in back pain, pain radiating to legs, tingling and numbness of legs.

I hope it helps. I would be pleased to answer any follow up queries.

Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist,
Institute of Neurosciences,
Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad- 500 033, India

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Patient replied :

Thank you Dr. Kumar. What would you recommend for follow up treatment? Is this something that can be fixed by physio therapy or is surgery a better alternative? I have a family history of arthritis and also a degenerative disc disease in my spine. There is stenosis, and spondylosis that seems to have progressed in the last five years.


Expert:  Dr. Sudhir Kumar replied 3 Days.

Thank you for getting back.

Initial treatment is conservative, with medications and physiotherapy (with which 70-80% patients improve). Medications include pregabalin or gabapentin.

Physiotherapy includes IFT, ultrasound, and back extension exercises.

Only if symptoms persist or get worse with the above measures, surgery or epidural injections are required.

Regards

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