Question
"I have been suffering from low back pain and bouts of severe low back pain for almost 3 years.  MRI done on 11/19.  Referred me to neurosurgeon.  MRI results as follow: Chronic Schmorl's nodes at L1 and L5.  Moderate disc degeneration and mild disc height loss at L5-S1.  Mild reactive endplate changes at L5-S1.  At L3-L4 no disc bulding or protrusion.  Minimal facet hypertrophy.  At L4-L5 mild diffuse disc bulging and mild bilateral facet arthropathy with bilateral facet effusions.  There is mild canal stenosis.  No disc protrusion identified.  Neural foramina are within normal range bilaterally.  At L5-S1 there is diffuse disc bulding and moderate bilateral facet arthropathy.  There is mild canal stenosis.  No disc protrusion.  No focal lateralizing disc protrusion identified.  Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing.
IMPRESSION:
1.  Chronic Schmorl's notes at L1 and L5
2.  No acute or chronic compression fracture
3.  Disc bulging and minimal canal narrowing at L4-L5.  Bilateral facet hypertrophy with facet effusions.  No periarticular edema is seen.
4.  Disc bulging and facet hypertrophy at L5-S1 and mild cancl stenosis.  Bilateral facet effusions.  No periarticular edema is seen.

Can you put this in normal language for me?  What can be done to relieve the constant pain (sometimes extreme pain)?"


Answer
Hi Sandy,

The chronic schmorl's nodes, disc bulging and facet hypertrophy are all indicators of degenerative joint disease. Degenerative joint disease is a form of arthritis and means that the joints in your spine have undergone some degeneration due to your daily activities, previous trauma or age. The disc bulges, facet arthropathy (arthritis) and spinal canal stenosis are the most likely causes for your back pain and require a custom tailored plan for you to have some pain relief.

A combination of mckenzie exercises, muscle release techniques, laser therapy, nerve flossing techniques, mobilizations, electrical modalities and core strengthening can help resolve some or all of the pain  resulting from the degenerative joint disease.

I would recommend that you see a Chiropractic doctor who offers rehabilitation and can offer an array of treatment options.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza