Question
I just got my results from a MRI on my spine. I'm trying to see what I should do. The reason I had one is, because my lower back hurts a lot after vacuuming, laundry, sweeping, mopping or anything that involves a rotation of my body.  

I currently am under the care of a Chiropractor and a Neuroscience Doctor.

This was the results:

L4-5 Central, left paracentral protrusion indents the thecal sac, lies medial to and abuts the descending left L5 nerve root.  No central canal stenosis or foraminal stenosis.  Moderate facet arthropathy.  (Conclusion)  Dominant finding is at L4-5 where a central, left paracentral protrusion indents the thecal sac, lies medial to and gently abuts the descending left L5 nerve root.

L5-S1 No compressive discopathy.  Mild to moderate right facet arthropathy.  No central canal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, or nerve root compressions.  (Conclusion) Shallow noncompressive broad based disc displacement L2-3.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Barbie

Answer
Hi Barbie,

Sorry to hear your having these difficulties.

It is not easy to say what to do. I'm glad to hear that you are under the care of 2 Doctors and they should be able to correlate the MRI findings with your complaints and physical exam findings to get a better idea of what to do.

It appears that you do not have pain radiating into your leg and you do not have any significant nerve root problems. The facet joint arthritis at L5/S1 could be a problem that would be irritated by rotating, however, this should be responsive to adjustments. If not, it may be an indication that an injection in that area would help.

You would need a muscular evaluation to make sure there are no muscles that would need specific treatment or strengthening.

There are no indications of any degenerative findings to get an idea of the foundation. Could be that you are young or the findings were not included.

There is no indication of pain location; center, left or right, or what makes the pain better or worse, besides general rotation.

So, you may want to see an orthopedist to get an additional opinion. If you are not responding to any current therapy, and the new findings do not provide a change in direction with your current treatment, an additional opinion from a specialist can help provide options that may bring more relief.

In the meantime, you might practice using your feet and legs more to turn instead of your back. Keep objects as close as possible and as much up and down instead of to the side. Try to plan a little before doing these activities to minimize the amount of rotation. Mop or vacuum in a straight line as much as possible, like cutting a lawn.  Also, a strong, mechanical back belt may provide some relief during activities you indicate to help reduce excessive rotation and assist in training to move more with your legs and feet rather than twisting your back.

Kind Regards and I hope you will get some relief soon.

Dr. Steve