iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersNeurologymri spine

At 68, what does my mom's MRI show about her back pain?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 68-year-old mother has been having severe back pain for the last few months. Whenever she stands up for some time, her back pain starts, and it goes down to the entire legs. It becomes so intolerable that she has to sit down somewhere immediately to avoid pain, and she gets relief after she lies down on the bed. Recently, she did an MRI of the lumbar spine with the ischial region, and the findings and impression of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are that mild scoliosis is seen with concavity to the left. A mild forward shift of L4 over L5 is observed. Small osteophytes are seen. The L4-L5 disc height is reduced. Lower lumbar discs are desiccated. Posterior protrusions of L4-L5 discs are observed compressing the thecal sac. Encroachment of both L4-L5 and L5-S1 foramina is noted. Ligamental and facet hypertrophy is also contributing to foraminal stenosis. The impression is grade I listhesis of L4 over L5 with mild scoliosis. Early changes of lumbar spondylosis with desiccation of the lower lumbar spine. Posterior protrusions of L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs compressing the thecal sac. Encroachment of both L4-L5 and L5-S1 foramina.

Screening of the pelvis with both hips does not show any significant abnormality. She has had diabetes for the last ten years. And hypertension since the last 15 years, for which she takes antihypertensive medications. She has a history of varicose veins, for which endovenous laser ablation was done. She underwent right knee replacement two years ago. She also has a history of anal fissures, which were surgically treated twice. I request you to please give me your opinion about this and the best possible line of treatment to relieve back pain at the earliest, as it is intolerable now. I have attached her reports for your better understanding.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen your mother's reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your mother seems to be suffering from radiculopathy due to nerve compression as a result of disc prolapse. The treatment of this problem needs patience and takes a long time. For pain, I suggest you try the following.

1. A combination of Pregabalin and Methylcobalamin.

2. To do hot fomentation of the affected area.

3. To apply Diclofenac ointment locally.

4. To get physiotherapy done, particularly ultrasonic heat massage.

5. SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Duloxetine help in the long run.

But if the compression is very severe, causing motor weakness and tingling on any side of the body, then surgical intervention would be required.

I hope it helps.

If you have any further queries, please ask me.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 8, 2017
Reviewed AtDecember 1, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Read answers about:

mri spineradiculopathy

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.