HomeAnswersOrthopedician and TraumatologyspondyloarthropathyKindly suggest the reason for my back pain after going through my MRI reports.

From the MRI, can you tell me what is the reason for my back pain?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 22, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 33 year old unmarried male. I have back pain problem (stiffness) for more than three years, and everyone gives the feedback that my posture was not proper while walking. Two years before I consulted a doctor. He suspected ankylosing spondylitis, but HLA-B27 was negative. By seeing the x-ray, the doctor told some fusion happened between the bones. He recommended a few vitamin tablets for a few months and asked to do continuous exercise. I started swimming, but l am not able to continue for the last six months because of my location transfer. In the last two years, the condition did not make worse, but the stiffness remains the same. So, I consulted another doctor and had a new x-ray, MRI scan, blood test, ESR, etc. I have attached my scan reports here for your reference.

The doctor told that this is neither spondylitis nor arthritis. He asked me not to worry. He said that if it is ankylosing spondylitis, then with the two years of history the condition would have been worse and currently there is only mild fusion. He recommended some calcium tablets and Gabapentin tablet. I read a lot of negative feedback about this tablet wth respect to nerve issues. I am taking this for the last one month.

I would like to know your feedback on the following. From the MRI, what is the actual condition and seriousness of this problem? Currently, I am having the stiffness and posture problem. Will it affect me more in the future? Do I need surgery for this condition? Can I take Gabapentin tablet? I read this tablet causes erectile dysfunction. Is it so? I have got some suggestions to use hot or cold therapy. Shall I go ahead?

Answered by Dr. Brungi Mahesh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It looks like spondyloarthropathy and right now no surgery is required. You do routine workups like complete blood picture, CRP (C-reactive protein), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), RA factor (rheumatoid arthritis factor), and anti-CCP antibody (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide). You can use Gabapentin without fear. Physiotherapy is very important, and it will teach you to improve your posture. Also, you can get hot fomentation.

    Patient's Query

    Hi doctor,

    Is it advisable to use posture corrective braces or belts?

    Answered by Dr. Brungi Mahesh

    Hi,

    Welcome back to icliniq.com.

    More than braces, it is advisable to follow posture training for a better result. Also, you can use braces, and there is no harm in it.

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

    Dr. Brungi Mahesh
    Dr. Brungi Mahesh

    Orthopedician and Traumatology

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