Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does This X-ray Report Indicate?
Question: Hi, I am getting very frustrated and don't know where else to turn. I have had a back xray and it says ---Alignment with broad-based curvature convex to the right centered around thoracolumbar junction which could be related to broad-based scoliosis versus positioning. Alignment otherwise within normal limits. Multilevel degenerative change with moderate disc space narrowing mainly L4-5 and L5-S1. Bilateral moderate facet arthropathy present lower lumbar spine. No fracture. Pedicles in the lumbar spine appear intact.
Thoracic Spine
Alignment within normal limits aside from minimal kyphosis centered mid thoracic spine. Multilevel degenerative change is seen in the thoracic spine. There is diffuse osteopenia. No convincing compression fracture. Pedicles in the thoracic spine overall appear intact. Paravertebral soft tissues normal .
They also think I may have Fibromyalgia, I have wide spread pain all the time, and have the following (Extremely tender Spots) Back of Neck---Shoulders---Elbows--lower back--hips-- knees--around the shoulder blades--thighs- rib cage. and hyper sensitive skin on lower legs.
With all of this going on I don't seem to be getting any direction, I need to loose 60 lbs, but I can physically do much to help that process along. Even chair yoga caused pain for weeks and weeks. I have a stomach which has had long scar from Gallbladder removal, another for appendix and a horizontal C-section. So My stomach causes great stress on my back, I have tried a belly belt, mild for post surgery patients, it seems to cause my back to be pulled too much and causes secondary pain. I have tried orthotics and they have all caused more pain (and I have given them a chance to work, pain just gets worse and worse, so I had to stop using them. I have many pairs of shoes I cannot use, because if my heals are elevated or lowered with no arch supports which there aren't anymore in shoes then that causes pain. I seriously don't know what to do. Is there a specialist I should be seeing, I need someone to tell me more than JUST THE RESULTS OF THE TESTS< an interactive and helpful doctor would be helpful, and I have changed doctors in the last two years for that reason and it seems to be the same with this one. Doctors just seem to want their fee for the office visit and don't want to give the information you need to help you. Can you please give me any advice and the direction in which I should be going at this point.
Thoracic Spine
Alignment within normal limits aside from minimal kyphosis centered mid thoracic spine. Multilevel degenerative change is seen in the thoracic spine. There is diffuse osteopenia. No convincing compression fracture. Pedicles in the thoracic spine overall appear intact. Paravertebral soft tissues normal .
They also think I may have Fibromyalgia, I have wide spread pain all the time, and have the following (Extremely tender Spots) Back of Neck---Shoulders---Elbows--lower back--hips-- knees--around the shoulder blades--thighs- rib cage. and hyper sensitive skin on lower legs.
With all of this going on I don't seem to be getting any direction, I need to loose 60 lbs, but I can physically do much to help that process along. Even chair yoga caused pain for weeks and weeks. I have a stomach which has had long scar from Gallbladder removal, another for appendix and a horizontal C-section. So My stomach causes great stress on my back, I have tried a belly belt, mild for post surgery patients, it seems to cause my back to be pulled too much and causes secondary pain. I have tried orthotics and they have all caused more pain (and I have given them a chance to work, pain just gets worse and worse, so I had to stop using them. I have many pairs of shoes I cannot use, because if my heals are elevated or lowered with no arch supports which there aren't anymore in shoes then that causes pain. I seriously don't know what to do. Is there a specialist I should be seeing, I need someone to tell me more than JUST THE RESULTS OF THE TESTS< an interactive and helpful doctor would be helpful, and I have changed doctors in the last two years for that reason and it seems to be the same with this one. Doctors just seem to want their fee for the office visit and don't want to give the information you need to help you. Can you please give me any advice and the direction in which I should be going at this point.
Brief Answer:
Spine MRI is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
I will try to answer all your questions and concerns. If I will miss something, please point this out.
First of all I want you to know that spine X-ray is a kind of historic test. Especially if its about spinal cord diagnosis. Nowadays we can use an X-ray to determine major fractures and some advanced degeneration. But this test really does not tell anything about possible spinal cord compression.
Your symptoms clearly indicate that there is some compression in the cervical level and lumbal level as well. Due to nerve compression on the cervical level you may have also palm weakness (like sometimes you are loosing the grip). Lower legs hypersensitive skin is also typical symptom for lower spine compression.
Minor spine compression can be treated with physical therapy and medicines (hernia belt weakens spine muscles by the way). But if after trying this solution, you see no improvement, surgical help seems necessary.
In my opinion your path is simple. This is what you should do:
- go for spine MRI (cervical and lumbal)
- consult neurosurgeon
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Spine MRI is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
I will try to answer all your questions and concerns. If I will miss something, please point this out.
First of all I want you to know that spine X-ray is a kind of historic test. Especially if its about spinal cord diagnosis. Nowadays we can use an X-ray to determine major fractures and some advanced degeneration. But this test really does not tell anything about possible spinal cord compression.
Your symptoms clearly indicate that there is some compression in the cervical level and lumbal level as well. Due to nerve compression on the cervical level you may have also palm weakness (like sometimes you are loosing the grip). Lower legs hypersensitive skin is also typical symptom for lower spine compression.
Minor spine compression can be treated with physical therapy and medicines (hernia belt weakens spine muscles by the way). But if after trying this solution, you see no improvement, surgical help seems necessary.
In my opinion your path is simple. This is what you should do:
- go for spine MRI (cervical and lumbal)
- consult neurosurgeon
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for you input. You said everything that I have been thinking. I was pretty sure there was compression on nerves, I have had one fusion in 2000 and it worked out very very well. Hope to not have to have surgery. But an MRI is what I have been pushing for, but no help yet. I will print off what you have said and maybe this will help my quest along. I do appreciate your help.
Sue DeFoor Mcconnell
Sue DeFoor Mcconnell
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Hope you will get well soon.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Hope you will get well soon.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
