What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have bn hit by two drunk drivers. Was treated by a dr for two years with no pain relief yet. Most test made it worse. Then I change drs and he's done 3 steroid imjectiond....1 to the left SI JOINT Which I got 5 days of relief from, the injection to thr R Si joint & l5....still no relief so dr suggested I do the SI IFUSE FUSION OF left side. That was done on dec 22, and to date the pain is even worse....meaning thr fusion didn't work or give me relief at all :(. All I do know is my first MRI showed bulging disc st L3L4 & L4L5. Arthritis and scoliosis . .The 2nd MRI came out completely normal yet the pain is so bad can't function or have a normal life. I feel somebody is missing a small detail somehow bc I'm living in pure hell n pain daily. What conditions don't show on a MRI ? And shouldn't I get a MRI WITH contrast to see the culprit ,.?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI contrast is generally required if there is infection,tumour etc.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Back pain may be due to many reasons like degenerative changes in L/S spine,arthritis,hypothyroidism etc.

Since latest MRI report is normal,I don't think it is related to degenerative disc disease.
Other causes like arthritis should be investigated thoroughly.
It is important know about morning stiffness,pain in hand joints etc.
You may need investigations related to arthritis like routine hemogram,RA factor,highly sensitive CRP,anti CCP antibody,X-ray both hands(AP),X-ray SI joint(Prone view).Further investigations can be done if needed.
Findings should be correlated clinically.

Most likely MRI with contrast is not required for you.Contrast study is indicated if there is any infection,mass,tumour etc.

Hypothyroidism should also be ruled out as it may also cause pain.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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