A 'civilian' member of another Internet list sent me some MRI details of a
back problem that has afflicted him for more than 18 months and he is now
quite desperate, since he is a competitive sprinter (aged about 28) who does
weight training. He has visited many physios, medical specialists,
chiropractors, massage specialists and acupuncturists and spent a veritable
fortune without any significant degree of improvement.
Would anyone on this list kindly have any suggestions for this frustrated
young athlete?
------------------------------------------------
L4/L5 Level
There are features of disc degeneration with loss of height and signal
intensity.
No annular tear is evident.
No annular bulge or focal herniation is evident.
No central canal, lateral recess or foraminal narrowing is evident.
No abnormality of posterior elements is seen.
The L4 nerve roots exit normally at this level.
L5/S1 Level
1. There are features of marked central and left paracentral disc
protrusion/extrusion evident.
2. There is moderate anterior, extradural impression on the thecal sac
which is compressed and displaced to the right side.
3. There is virtual complete obliteration of the left lateral recess and
slight encroachment of the left exiting foramen.
4. The L5 nerve roots appear to exit normally at this level. There is
however likely to be impingement of the descending S1 nerve root on the left
side.
No significant changes of posterior elements are seen.
I know many surgeons that would love to operate, that however is not an
option for me. A physio suggested a cortisone injection in the area.
What should I do?
----------------------------------
Dr Mel C Siff
Denver, USA
http://www.egroups.com/group/supertraining
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|