What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016

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

Thu, 3 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently received a radiologist's analysis of an MRI report. I would like you to help me understand the analysis, and what it suggests for which specific movements, stretches, and exercises are contraindicated or recommended.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Degenerative spine. No nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

You have a disc prolapse which is mildly compressing over the sac containing the nerves to your legs.

There isn't any significant nerve compression though.

There are mild degenerative changes that can contribute to localised back pain.

You can perform low back extension exercises, undergo TENS or Ultrasound therapy. Avoid bending forwards or lifting weights. Apply hot packs to the affected region. Exercise daily to keep fit and avoid obesity. Do abdominal strengthening exercises as well. These will help reduce the chances of the slip disc to progress to press on the nerves.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for your response. I wonder if my pain may be caused not only from the bulging disc, but also from inflamed piriformis muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve? When I do even mild backbends, I feel severe pain centered in the right gluteal muscle.

I will be consulting with a physician shortly - could you recommend specific anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medications that he should consider prescribing?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Diclofenac and Thicolchicoside combination. Pregabalin

Detailed Answer:
It is possible that you have concomitant Piriformis syndrome, residual if you have pain on internal rotation of the affected hip flexed to 90 degrees while being adducted.

This test will be performed by the Doctor to confirm Piriformis syndrome.

You should be prescribed Diclofenac with Thicolchicoside combination for pain relief and muscle relaxant actions. If you have radiating pain with tingling and numbness, then Pregabalin tablet will benefit you. Also physiotherapy would be ideal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad