QuestionHi I have a question that is worrying me,about a week ago I had a MRI done after my chiropractors advice,it was found that I had two herniated discs in my lumbar spine and about that time my lower right rib was numb but I wasn't checked for that,I have a bump on my back (rightside)that I was born with,could it be getting bigger?what is your advice?worried alot!
AnswerHello Joyce, good luck in resolving your problem.
lumbar spine MRI, lower right rib numb, bump on right back.
First of all, are all of these complaints/ conditions in the same place?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic is aware of the 'bump', 'lump' on your back- yes?, aware of the area of numbness- yes?
Do the Herniated Discs, lump, numbness all coincide?
You were 'born' with this bump?- could it be a 'lipoma'?- a fatty tumor?, Do not worry about the word tumor, if it is a fatty tumor. Lipomas are fairly common and often not clinically significant. They are cosmetically unappealing but they are not cancer or malignant- of course, even if the suspicion is that it is a lipoma, a dermatologist should evaluate the lump or bump. Does the lump seem to be skin?, muscle?, bone?, is it related to your posture?- certainly your treating Doctor of Chiropractic should have seen this and included it in his/her evaluation and given you some type of diagnosis/ opinion on it.
Rib numbness. If it is Rib numbness, and not below (Inferior) the ribs, it is probably not related to your herniated discs (HNP) in your lumbar spine. In addition to a lumbar MRI, a thoracic MRI may be indicated to evaluate your thoracic spine for HNP as well.
Sounds like you are on the right track. Do not be nervous or anxious, but do be cautious. Check out al of your complaints, but do not assume the worst. The idea that you are going for an MRI shows your DC is trying to fully evaluate your complaints. Do not be afraid to ask your treating doctor these same questions.
Thanks for the question, hope this helps.
Wishing you Good Health Naturally!
Victor Dolan, DC
http://www.DocDolan.net
