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[Smiler84]

Hey guys, recently had MRI (full spine) got results in post today. I have mild changes in the lower discs (disc dessication and bulging) with mild wear and tear in the facet joints of the lumber region. Should I be worried about this and what options will be suggested? Thanks 🙂

[oldman1952]

Hi Smiler, by the sounds of the MRI result it seems that you have osteoarthritis of the spine. The deformity is due to calcification of the vertebrae where spurs grow on each side of it. Movement backwards and forward and side ways catches the tendons and muscles that then go into spasm, causing pain. Unless the disk is protruding out too far there is not much that can be done apart from physiotherapy and analgesia. Both will be adjusted with your reaction to both treatments. Only as a last resort would they consider surgery because it is not without its own problems.

Most of the members have severe pain syndrome and are on different types of medication because one medication might give you bad side effects when another does not. So just be a little wary of trying something that another member thinks is the Bees Knees, you try it and have a big shock. Go with the flow with your Specialists and GP after all they did not do all that training to give you duff information. We here are like a crutch to sound off if things are not going too well. We all have times when we need to off load and all the members have broad shoulder and will listen and give you some sound advice about the type of pain that you are suffering. Take care and I will follow your post when ever you post so you might hear from me sometime in the future. Cheers Oldman19521.

[Victoriapain]

I wouldn't be too worried at this point. Physio and pain relief will probably be your options at the minute. I'm no doctor though but that's all I'm receiving and have a few more problems than yourselve. Welcome to the site xx

[PFKAAde]

Hi Smiler

Following on from my own back problems (multiple discs / scoliosis / stenosis / facet joint OA etc) I have become a huge believer in stretches and exercise as a way of loosening the muscles and strengthening the muscles that support your spine.

There are lots of videos about (including on the NHS website) to give you some ideas. It doesn't take as long as you might think to really make a difference to your core strength and it is my belief that this has helped me enormously with pain relief, mobility and strength.

It has also enabled me to reduce pain meds from frightening levels to more sustainable ones.

Good luck.

[oldman1952 in reply to PFKAAde]

Great reply and spot on.

[Blakejess]

Keep an eye on it, never over do things in life. I had this in 2011 my MRI was never sent back to my report for almost 2 yr ?? Disgusting. I had a very physical job and did extrem sports . 2013 needed an emergency discectomy L4/l5. 2017 awaiting an other op discectomy and wallis ligament s as a pose to spinal fusion. If pain becomes so severe for at long time i.e. A few months. Or u numbness, pins needles or if u bladder and bowls are affected go strait to AE

[Salsybar73 in reply to Blakejess]

My bowels went 4 years ago

Bladder 9 months ago

Pins and needles

Numbness

Sexual dysfunvtion

Fatigue

Hair falling out

Headaches

Had a followup 7th feb got told by hospital that my mri was sent to doctor 12 days after having it done

Found out they did bottom of my brain (spinal cord )

Dont know why now they tested my blood for numerous things one test was ca125 for cancer/tumour im shitting bricks tuesday for blood results and mri results

I have been left 6 years on seriously low vitamin d 19.9 ..

And this is what has caused osteoarthritis to spread like wild fire

I weigh 9st so doctors carnt blame it on weight ..

Feeling fed up 😔😔😔😔

[Salsybar73]

Hello smiler

The motto is just stay active has possible ....

Make sure you do have strong pain killers on hand

I have just had my followup got to see doctor next tuesday

It was also 4 months past the date they gave me

I have c4 c5 c6 bulges

T6 t7 t8 osteophytes disc desiccation

Prominence of the spinal cord t7 t8

Posterior annular tear

L4 l5 facet joint ddd

Tropism of the facet joints l5 s1

And dont listen to the doctors if they say lose weight coz its more painful

I weigh 9st and im in agony everyday

Try and do yoga its flexible on the joints make sure to do warm ups before and after exercising or you will go stiff and achy

And osteoarthritis does spread 16 months ago i was told it was just wear and tear lose weight i be ok

Wrong it does spread i have it in my hips ..knees ..shoulders ..

And a doctor has just told me that i have been vitamin d low for 6 years

And this what has caused the degenerative joint and disc disease to spread like wild fire

Get your vit d checked regular too dont make the mistakes i have

Goodluck hun 😃😃😃

[johnsmith]

See an Alexander Technique teacher. They can help make you aware of actions that you do that make your situation worse. They should be able to help you do things that help reduce the problem.