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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does The Following MRI Report Suggest?

Recent MRI showing diffuse bulging disc of l5/s1, also severe facet anthtropathy. L4/l5 disc degeneration. Flex x-ray is showing 3 mm anterolisthesis @ l4/l5 & 6 mm retrothesthesis @ l5/ s1. Neurophysiologist is telling me no physical therapy, no injections, no pain medication, no belt, no chiropractor. Asked if I wanted a referral to surgeon but stated that surgery probably would not relieve my pain (spinal fusion) I m also having bladder incontinence intermittently. He states I have no nerve or spinal damage. A brain cat scan was also performed & was normal. I have constant lower back pain, have fallen many times, numbness in my legs. I m a 53 year old female & was stopped @ a red light 18 months ago & was rear ended by someone going 45-50 mph. My vehicle was totaled & I did hit the vehicle that was stopped in front of me as well. Could you tell me the grade of my condition & what might be the best approach going forward, every day is a struggle. Thank you
Thu, 21 Mar 2019
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Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist 's  Response
Hello,

I think you should another opinion. As the neurologist you saw may have recommended of no other therapies because of the conservative management he may have found while having examination and consultation with you.

As you have disc injury and spondylolisthesis along with retrolisthesis I would like to know are you having any neurological complications like - lower limb paresis or paralysis. If not then you can look for conservative management with the help of the Physical therapy. Of course, for now, we need to reduce the pain, inflammation, and get muscle activation. Retrolisthesis and spondylolisthesis cannot be corrected by the chiropractor so that is the reason you been advised not to go. But will simple core stability exercises of Low intensity which may take about 4-6 weeks of time in minimum to work out with.

You cannot go to a therapist but rather have to request for a home call because any Transportation might lead to aggravation of the symptoms or maybe newer ones. With physical therapy modalities like therapeutic ultrasound therapy, the inflammation can be reduced and with TENS therapy the Pain. The major role will be played by the exercises here as it will help to stabilize the spine and will make you ambulate again.

The therapies mentioned above are going to be supportive therapy but the actual role will be played by the neuromuscular system to stabilize the spine.

In many cases, it might take some 3-6 months of time depending upon the type of progression coming up with the therapy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
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What Does The Following MRI Report Suggest?

Hello, I think you should another opinion. As the neurologist you saw may have recommended of no other therapies because of the conservative management he may have found while having examination and consultation with you. As you have disc injury and spondylolisthesis along with retrolisthesis I would like to know are you having any neurological complications like - lower limb paresis or paralysis. If not then you can look for conservative management with the help of the Physical therapy. Of course, for now, we need to reduce the pain, inflammation, and get muscle activation. Retrolisthesis and spondylolisthesis cannot be corrected by the chiropractor so that is the reason you been advised not to go. But will simple core stability exercises of Low intensity which may take about 4-6 weeks of time in minimum to work out with. You cannot go to a therapist but rather have to request for a home call because any Transportation might lead to aggravation of the symptoms or maybe newer ones. With physical therapy modalities like therapeutic ultrasound therapy, the inflammation can be reduced and with TENS therapy the Pain. The major role will be played by the exercises here as it will help to stabilize the spine and will make you ambulate again. The therapies mentioned above are going to be supportive therapy but the actual role will be played by the neuromuscular system to stabilize the spine. In many cases, it might take some 3-6 months of time depending upon the type of progression coming up with the therapy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Jay Indravadan Patel, Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist