Annular Tears

[Vulcan59]

Hi all,

My wife's sister complained of back pains and went to get an MRI done. The result is shown below;

Impression

Lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc diseases at L2/3 to L5/S1. Posterior annular tears at L4/5 and L5/S1.

The most significant finding is at L4/5 where a circumferential disc bulge as well as central disc protusion, together with ligamentum flavum thickening and facet joint hypertrophy, causes moderate central canal stenosis and contacts the descending nerve roots. The neural foramina are patent.

Further action or early intervention required.

Apart from the dietary advice, is there any thing else she can do? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Voyageur]

Hi all,

My wife's sister complained of back pains and went to get an MRI done. The result is shown below;

Impression

Lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc diseases at L2/3 to L5/S1. Posterior annular tears at L4/5 and L5/S1.

The most significant finding is at L4/5 where a circumferential disc bulge as well as central disc protusion, together with ligamentum flavum thickening and facet joint hypertrophy, causes moderate central canal stenosis and contacts the descending nerve roots. The neural foramina are patent.

Further action or early intervention required.

Apart from the dietary advice, is there any thing else she can do? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Vulcan59, fwiw, i've Spondylolisthesis, which is similar, yet different, and have managed it without problems going forward. One of the things that helped was an inversion table set at 30 degrees or so. I don't know if this is appropriate for Spondylosis, however it might be something to check. Diet will help of course, which you know, swimming may help and prescribed exercises to help build corrections, as with these things, there is a tendency to favor different stances that may set up problems later from over or under development of muscle groups.

Hope she can manage this pain free.

 

[Gaby]

Has she tried medical taping and DMSO?

 

[Horseofadifferentcolor]

I have had this with my L5 as well. It was a real shocker being in my 20ies when it first happenend. Very painful. When I went to the doctor it was really very frustrating hearing be active but not to active. What the heck does that mean?
Swimming, stretching, and core strengthening workouts can and will keep this from coming back. I have also noticed that very heavy lifting on a regular basis keeps me strong. I know it sounds counter productive but any time I do not have much physical activity is when the smallest thing flares it up.
If sitting a lot for work or pleasure, she can replace chair with a large workout ball, and also balance workouts do amazing things for the core muscles.

 

[Vulcan59]

Thanks voyageur, Psyche and Horseofadifferentcolor for your input. I'll pass it along. In fact, I'll email her this link and she can read it herself. :)