Question
Hi

I am 28 and I have been dealing with Vitamin D defficency and Fibromyalgia for two years now. I would like a bit more clarity on my MRI Results. My Rhuematologist who orded the entire spinal MRI explained it but I am still a bit confused. He did start me on Arthriotec for seven to ten days and then to follow with Mobic once a day after wards.

Findings: Early Disc Dehydration at the L4-5 level. Tiny Schmorl node deformity at superior endplate of L4. At L5-S1 level there is a miminal disc bulge with no focal disc hernation or stenosis.At L4-5 level there is mild Facet hypertrophy. Small to moderate disc bulge that extends laterally bilaterally and somewhat more prominetn on the left. As a result there is mild canal stenosis. AP dimensions 8 mm with mild proximal left foraminal stenosis and mild encroachment on the proximal right neural forearm. At L3-4 there is a small annual buge extending lateraly resulting in mild encroachment on the perineural fat, greater on left side. At L2-3 there is a minimal annular bulge very slightly asymmetric to the left laterally. No stenosis.Partial visualization of a disc protrusion at the T10-11 Level with mild disc space narrowing and disc dehydration. Tiny schmorl node deformity at endplate of T10. At T10-11 Level there is a small broad based central disc bulge or protrussion which effaces the ventral thecal sac. There is mild apparent flattening of the ventral cord. Straightening of the normal cervical lordosis.

Thank you in advance for any clarity you can give me and also what would long term care look like for these issues.  

Answer
Erin,

It is my opinion that Fibromyalgia is a real disease and should be treated neurologically with Brain Based Therapy and exercise with Oxygen. To find out about this system please visit my website www.drqdc.com and look for the tab "This is your Brain" on the outer left side of the first page.

I doubt very much that anything discovered in your MRI is the one and only culprit. I have translated the report for you below.

Findings: Early Disc Dehydration at the L4-5 level.(THIS MEANS A SLIGHT LOSS OF DISC HEIGHT) Tiny Schmorl node deformity at superior endplate of L4.( AN INCONSEQUENTIAL FINDING THAT ALL RADIOLOGISTS MENTION IN THIER REPORTS THIS IS NON PAIN PRODUCING AND WILL BE PRESENT FOR YOUR LIFETIME) At L5-S1 level there is a miminal disc bulge with no focal disc hernation or stenosis.(dISC IS BEING COMPRESSED AND THEREFORE THE DISC IS BULGING AND THE STENOISIS COMMENT MEANS THERE IS NO DECREASE IN THE SIZE OF YOUR SPINAL CANNAL)At L4-5 level there is mild Facet hypertrophy.( tHIS MEANS THE JOINT SURFACE IS ROUGHENED UP) Small to moderate disc bulge that extends laterally bilaterally and somewhat more prominetn on the left.(this is a larger disc bulge and warrants attention) As a result there is mild canal stenosis.(the bulge is causing a decrease in the diameter of your spinal cannal or IVF where your spinal nerves emit. This warrants attention) AP dimensions 8 mm with mild proximal left foraminal stenosis and mild encroachment on the proximal right neural forearm.( Same as above stated differently and at a different level this also warrants attention) At L3-4 there is a small annual buge extending lateraly resulting in mild encroachment on the perineural fat, greater on left side.( This also warrants attention) At L2-3 there is a minimal annular bulge very slightly asymmetric to the left laterally. No stenosis.Partial visualization of a disc protrusion at the T10-11 Level with mild disc space narrowing and disc dehydration.( This is a disc bulge with a protrusion- think of compressing down on a jelly donut and eventually some of the jelly will protrude out. This also warrants attention) Tiny schmorl node deformity at endplate of T10.(Non consequential) At T10-11 Level there is a small broad based central disc bulge or protrussion which effaces the ventral thecal sac. There is mild apparent flattening of the ventral cord. Straightening of the normal cervical lordosis.( You have lost the natural curve that should be present in your neck. This warrants attention)

I definitely opine that you should seek a chiropractic examination concerning all the issues where I stated that they warrant attention. These can be controlled and stopped from getting progressively worse with a series of chiropractic adjustments. Your situation will not be improved by medications whatsoever.

I am hoping my explanation helps but all of the above is easier to explain with the use of visual models. Please seek the care of a competent chiropractic physician for a more in depth consultation.

Sincerely,
Dr John Q Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com
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