I have chronic back pain and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Please see my reports and advise me.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can only explain what had been written in the report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). As I do not have the films to see, it is an interpretation of an interpretation (also, I gather that neurologist is not convinced about something and wants to review the report with the radiologist).

The first part means that changes seen in the bony vertebrae at different levels that I would say are commonly seen in degenerative discs, often age related.

The next two para-state that the degenerative discs show some bulging backward into the vertebral canal where the nerve roots are traveling as they come out of the vertebral canal. But I must say this must be interpreted only with the clinical picture as bulging discs do not always cause symptoms despite significant abutment of traversing nerve roots.

There is no mention of any myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) that may be seen in the spinal cord, as you mentioned that you have a confirmed diagnosis of encephalomyelitis.

Are you on Steroids or Interferon therapy? What is your vitamin D level?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, I cannot be confident enough to reassure you. This is my interpretation as the exact bony changes can only be seen to understand. Still, as everyday things are common, I will interpret that this is age related. Encephalomyelitis certainly will not affect your vertebrae and marrow unless this is an autoimmune condition. Again there is no information regarding this in the neurologist's letter. Was a biopsy ever planned? as the exact histological diagnosis may drive the treatment. Marrow changes are mostly inflammation, which is what the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is good at picking up. I again feel that nothing adverse is mentioned in the report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) to cause alarm if that thought is bothering you. The pain an irritated nerve root will cause is in the leg (sciatica (severe pain along the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the buttocks and legs)) and not so much in the back. Degenerative discs are more likely a cause for back pain. Vitamin D levels are something I will push you to ask your GP (general practitioner) to do straightaway. Normal levels will help with fatigue, immunity-boosting, and mood elevation.