I have severe back pain. What do my MRI spine results show?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have severe mid-back and lumbar back pain, numbness in my hands, muscle cramps in my legs, and constant pain. What do my magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results mean?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I read carefully your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and would explain that these images indicate just chronic degeneration of the vertebral column.

There is no disc herniation or compression of the spinal cord. Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a physical exercise to help against chronic back pain. I would like to see more images of the cervical vertebral column.

Could you please upload the MRI report for a more professional opinion?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I carefully reviewed all your uploaded images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), and I am glad to confirm that there is no major spinal issue in these images.

We can exclude a possible disc herniation (there are only some small bulges in the lumbar region) or any spinal compression, even in the cervical spine. The spinal canal is free in the entire spine.

Coming to this point, I would recommend performing nerve conduction studies and some blood laboratory tests (calcium and vitamin D plasma levels, vitamin B12 plasma levels) in order to investigate other possible causes underlying your complaints.

In the meantime, I would recommend trying Gabapentin or Pregabalin for the chronic management of the pain and numbness. You should discuss the above issues with your doctor.

I hope you find this helpful.

For more queries, please reach out to me anytime.

Thank you.