Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does Presence Of 3mm On L4 And L5 As Stated In MRI Report Mean?

I just received an MRI on my thoracic and Lumbar and I have read the notes ( still waiting for my neurosurgeon to read them for me) which states that I have a 3 mm on L4 and L5. Just wondering what that entails and does it look like I need surgery. This has been going on for close to a year and I am in so much pain.
Fri, 27 May 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear , This is Dr. S.Tomar from Healthcaremagic.com's medical team and I will be your medical advisor for this question. Thank you for sharing your concern with us and showing trust on us.
It looks that you have a disc herniation of 3 mm at L4 L5 level which is the cause of your pain . I would like to inform you that most of the disc herniation can be treated with conservative methods and surgery is considered the last resort . So first try following methods of treatment and self care:
1. NSAIDs for pain
2. Physical therapy can resolve the issues related with disc problems very successfully .
3.don't bend forwards and avoid lifting any weight . Education regarding proper body mechanics should be provided by PT.
4. WEIGHT REDUCTION is necessary in disc problems and can significantly resolve the issue.
5. corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation .
Surgery is reserved for those cases in which disc problems does not respond to conservative approach . You should consult about it further with your healthcare providers.
I wish you good health.
This is my initial response and feel free to contact if you need any further clarification .
Thank you for your question and feel free to contact us further for any query or follow up.
sincerely,
DR.S.TOMAR
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does Presence Of 3mm On L4 And L5 As Stated In MRI Report Mean?

Dear , This is Dr. S.Tomar from Healthcaremagic.com s medical team and I will be your medical advisor for this question. Thank you for sharing your concern with us and showing trust on us. It looks that you have a disc herniation of 3 mm at L4 L5 level which is the cause of your pain . I would like to inform you that most of the disc herniation can be treated with conservative methods and surgery is considered the last resort . So first try following methods of treatment and self care: 1. NSAIDs for pain 2. Physical therapy can resolve the issues related with disc problems very successfully . 3.don t bend forwards and avoid lifting any weight . Education regarding proper body mechanics should be provided by PT. 4. WEIGHT REDUCTION is necessary in disc problems and can significantly resolve the issue. 5. corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation . Surgery is reserved for those cases in which disc problems does not respond to conservative approach . You should consult about it further with your healthcare providers. I wish you good health. This is my initial response and feel free to contact if you need any further clarification . Thank you for your question and feel free to contact us further for any query or follow up. sincerely, DR.S.TOMAR