All internet doctors sound off.. MRI results

[Patrick]

I finally decided to get an MRI since I haven't been able to ride since October. Here are the results.. I'm going to discuss with my doctor tomorrow:mad: . Looks like I'm done with riding for quite some time:wtc: :wtc: :wtc: :wtc: :wtc: :wtc: :wtc:

RESULTS:
1.)Mild to moderate sized 3mm posterior central disk protrusion at L4-L5 with slightly greater leftward extension of this patients disk protrusion that mildly impinges upon the thecal sac, also contacting the proximal left L5 nerve root sheath in the lateral recess.

2.) Mild 2mm posterior central disk protrusion at L5-S1 with the disk contacting the anterior surfaces of both the S1 nerve root sheaths in the lateral recesses.

3.) Mild bilateral degenerative hypertrophic facet joint arthropathy at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1.

4.) Mild 2mm left foraminal disk protrustion at L1-L2.

5.) Small annular tears in the posterior fibers of the disks at L1-L2, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1

[MIKE1968]

1. drink

2. painkillers

3. ride :coold:

who cares about being able to walk when you are 37.


:hs:

[Ross]

:wtc: Sorry to hear that, Patrick. So the doc has not told you yet what you can do about this, and how long it will take?

[Patrick]

doc=my dad, but I may go see a specialist. it will heal with time, but time could mean a year or more. Surgery is an option as well.. I'll know more tomorrow night

[trialsrider50]

i'm not a very reliable source but I hope you're seeing a good chiropractor.

my dad had some serious issues and always thought chiroporactic was shit but the guy did wonders for him. the trouble is finding a good one.

my symphathy for you man. i know it's tough to go through. just take care of yourself the best you can and approach it with a possitive attitude. my dad couldn't tie his shoes for 3 years and now he rides motorcycles with us and goes skiing. take it easy and let it heal TOTALLY. don't think just cause it stops hurting that it's better.

i'll shut up now. take care man.

[greyghost]

I know that sounds like your not going to be walking or anything, but it's really not that bad.

Notice how it says mild on most of those. These are very common. 2mm disc bulges are nothing to be worried about. With a proper rehab and postural assessments, you can get back do riding trials or whatever else you do in no time. Most likely it's just because of how you spend your time in a chair, then you go out, ride trials, and tweak your back out because you've had a lot of posterior pressure on the discs all day long. That may not be you, but that is the greater majority.

Disc bulges can essentially "pop" back in. You just need to learn how to hold yourself with proper posture, and if you find it hard, then you've got some muscle work to do, both strengthening and stretching/bodywork. Certain exercises can facilitate the migrating of the discs back to their normal place.

70% of people have undiagnosed disc bulges, couc potatoes and athletes alike. Knowing how most trials riders stand on their bikes, we could safely say 90% on this forum have a disc bulge.

back pain is a vague thing, it could be from compression of the nerves surrounding your spine, facet problems, or just instability that your brain makes you aware of through pain.

You should:

Have your posture assessed by someone who can do proper length tension relationships of all the muscles around your spine.

Correct any core stability disfunctions, TVA-multifidis-low abs, etc.

Get on a proper corrective exercise program to strengthen all the stabilizers of the back. (basically every muscle of the axial skeleton). I can refer you to someone if you want.

Annular tears can be from the constant pressure, but nutrition and water have a big factor in it. If your not rebuilding and repairing properly, then your discs will not have all the material to stay strong. Water is important to keep the discs fluid, and movement pumps fluid in and out.

Surgery is WAY out of the question. I've had everything you've listed up there, but with much bigger bulges, and I still ski moguls, ride trials, lift weights, and live without any pain. ;)

With the right specialist, you could be back to full strength in a few months.

Cheer up, and sit up straight while your at it!

[GpTrials]

GreyGhost, excellent post. Surgery is always the last resort. Good luck!!