What does my lower back MRI indicate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had lower back pain for the last couple of years. It all started after I lifted a stone at a cricket ground. A little amount of physiotherapy helped after the doctor's advice. I have consulted three doctors in two years, and a doctor advised an MRI this week. My doctor is out until next week, and I am very anxious to understand the MRI report. Kindly help me understand the report.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is showing herniation of an intervertebral disk that is displaced from its position and impinging on the nerve. However, this is only an MRI impression. MRI is a sensitive investigation that picks up clinically insignificant findings, so it is important to get clinically examined and see if these findings reported by MRI are actually the reason for pain or not. Secondly, whether the condition requires surgical management or will it be treated by conservative treatment alone.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.