Question
QUESTION: i have been in chronic pain for 6 1/2 years and been taking cortisone injections (usually 4 at the time) every 3 months during this time period.  i also use Lidoderm patches and take Loritab as needed.

the pain began in the bone between my legs - burning and like a knife stabbing pain.  i began with getting shots there and in my lower back.  the pain continually moved (?-adjusted) and i now get the shots in both buttock bones, lower back and end of tailbone.  i have just had a new MRI and would like you to help me understand (in layman terms) the results.

*  Sagittal images through the lumbar spine demonstrate multi-level disc degeneration within the lumbar spine.  multiple posterior disc bulges are present at the L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 levels.  There is an underlying levoscoliosis of the lumbar spine.  

*  Axial sequences demonstrate the L1-2 level to show mild disc degeneration but no focal disc extrusion, central canal or foraminal stenosis.

*  Similar findings are seen at the L2-3 level where there is a minimal amount of disc degeneration but no focal disc extrusion, central canal or foraminal stenosis.

*  The L3-4 level demonstrates a broad-based posterior disc bulge with a lift foraminal disc protrusion.  The findings produce some inferior neural foraminal filling on the left.

*  The L4-5 level demonstrates a broad-based posterior disc bulge with a left foraminal disc protrusion.  There is inferior neural foraminal filling on the left.

*  The L5-S1 level demonstrates a broad-based posterior disc bulge producing some left-sided foraminal encroachment.  

*  Levoscoliosis and multi-level disc degeneration.  There are foraminal disc protrusions on the left at the L3-4 and L4-5 levels.  In addition, there is left-sided inferior neural foraminal encroachment at L5-S1 secondary to disc degeneration.

*  Five views for the lumbar spine demonstrate multi-level degenerative changes within the lumbar spine with an underlying levoscoliosis of the lumbar spine centered at the L3-4 level.  No clearly defined acute fracture line is seen.  Multi-level facet hypertrophy is present greatest at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels as well as at the L3-4 level.  Mild levoscoliosis and multi-level degenerative changes within the lumbar spine.  No clearly defined acute fracture identified.

i really do appreciate any insight you might have on my condition and diagnosis.  

thanks in advance,
eloise


ANSWER: Hi Eloise,

There is an incredible amount of explaining to do converting each finding, level and medical term listed on that report. I would be happy to explain in detail every thing listed and what can be done about it by phone. It would literally take me an hour to break all that down in laymen terms. I don't want to abbreviate any of the clinically significant findings that would be necessary in this format. I can be reached Tuesday between 10am-9pm CST (Illinois time) tomorrow to answer all your questions. This will not be an inconvenience to me at all. If this isn't possible, let me know and I will set aside an hour and type up every term and what it means.


Thank You!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com
708-466-9994

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QUESTION: thank you for your reply dr. durin.  no, i cannot make the phone call and would really appreciate it if you could type it up. i appreciate your dedication to this forum and taking the time to help me with this diagnosis report.  i'm sure others will benefit from reading your response too when they need to understand similar findings on their own report.  i anxiously await your reply.

thank you (again)in advance,
eloise
ANSWER: No Problem Eloise,

It is late here and I must work clinic tomorrow so Thursday I will break it down for you.


Dr. Tim


Eloise,
The server dropped your question after I answered it with recommendations. I lost all of it. Since they are obviously having problems, please call me instead.

708-466-9994 or I can call you.

Thank You

Dr. Tim

Oh, please don't forget to rate me since you may have forgot last time, thank you!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: dr. drunin.

please try to send it again.  i need it in writing so i can discuss it with my husband and children.  

thanks in advance,
eloise

Answer
My battery in my Dell laptop blew up and started a fire, I am on a friends computer right now and am unable to borrow it for the time it would take to retype everything, isn.t there a way for me to discuss this by phone? If long distance is a problem, I will just call you.

Let me know soon since I am using someone else's computer.

Dr. Tim