Question
QUESTION: i was told my MRI came back fine from my work's doctor, but had read that there is mild disk desiccation at L4-5. there are mild bilateral degenerative facets at L4-5 and L5-S1. There is mild right SI joint degenerative change demonstrated as subchrondral edema.  do you know what this means???

ANSWER: I'm really wish the doctors that read these MRI's would discuss them with the patient.  
1) desiccation means that a section of the disc has broken off, usually the body with absorb it over time.  You just have to be aware of abnormal symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your legs or changes in bowel or bladder habits.
2) degenerative facets just means there is a lot of wear and tear on the facet joint of the lumbar spine.  If you look at a vertebra, the facet joint is where two vertebrae meet.
3) SI joint degeneration means there is wear and tear on the SI joint, which is located in your lower back where the sacrum and the ilium meet (you might want to look that up in an anatomy book or look it up on the web.  
Depending on the severity and your age, this is normal, everybody has some sort of degenerative changes in joints, it's part of aging and physical activity.  
If you have any other questions of concerns, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck

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QUESTION: i am 26, and i injuried my back at work 2 months ago lifting, and the pain is just getting worse, it feels like labor pain sometimes, but it is moving from my lower back to my shoulders (it hurts to move my arms), neck (it hurts to look down, up and sometimes side to side), my arms are tingly and fingers feel funny, the only thing i noticed with my legs are my caves spaz and my thighs tingle, and my upper butt hurts sometimes mainly when i sit.  i have had the same headache for 2 weeks and it wont go away.  i am going to a specialtist wed.  hopefully he does something for me.  thank you for your explaination and if you could reply to this too.. thank you jamie

Answer
Jamie, With the symptoms you have given me, I strongly suggest getting a chiropractic evaluation.  I treat many different people with these exact symptoms, and do so without surgery or harmful drugs that can cause addiction or organ damage.  I am a member of a group of chiropractors that use a gentle technique to treat your symptoms (not all chiropractic is the same) and I strongly suggest you meet with one to talk about your symptoms and see what can be done.  I am located in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be happy to see you.  If you have any other questions, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck