Is mild disc bulge and degeneration in my spine serious?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from pain in my lower back. There is pain in my left arm, leg, and foot also. I got my MRI done. The MRI of the lumbar spine reads as follows: Exaggerated lumbar curvature, likely due to muscle spasm. End plate Schmorl nodes are seen at D11-12, D12-L1, L1-2, L2-3, and L3-4 levels. Disc space narrowing is seen at the D11-12 and D12-L1 level. Mild posterior disc bulges are seen at D11-12 and D12-L1, causing minimal thecal sac indentation. As per the doctor, it is normal. I want to get a second opinion on the same.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I went through your post. You have a degenerative disk disease, although not serious enough to cause a focal deficit at present, there is minimal thecal sac indentation. I would suggest:

Weight reduction. Your BMI (body mass index) is high, which makes you a high-risk candidate for PIVD (prolapsed intervertebral disc). If you control your weight and lower your BMI to around 22 to 23, we can stop the progression of degeneration.
Take Pregabalin 75 mg once a day, preferably sustained release at bedtime, and Methylcobalamin supplements.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You had described the report well. So, there is nothing new. However, let me tell you that lifting heavy objects needs to be avoided.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.