Are Severe Facet Arthropathy, Nerve Root Crowding And A Trefoil Thecal Sac Configuration And Degenerative Disc Disease Normal For A Young Adult?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 Answered on

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I’m a 33 female, 5’7, 140 and moderately active. An MRI of my lower back showed severe facet arthropathy, nerve root crowding and a trefoil thecal sac configuration. I’m not overweight and often so walking but no extreme sports. I have mild scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis. My right leg keeps giving out on my and I have radiating pain from my knee to my hip, it feels like pulling on the sides of my leg. I am hypermobile in my hips, shoulders and small joints. Is having this type of degenerative disc disease normal at my age and if not what would cause it?

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
A rheumatological consult and blood tests are advisable

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You are right to wonder about these findings at your young age. They are commonly found with aging, but much later in life, not at 33. A history of heavy physical work might explain it to a point but even if that was the case still at this age it does prompt for a rheumatological consult in order to investigate for autoimmune connective tissue conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from physical exam blood tests for inflammation and autoimmune antibodies might be necessary.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar