OT : any spine experts in the house ?

SoCal · Apr 7, 2013

I have a 17 year old relative in another country who was just diagnosed with the following after an MRI :

"A small left-sided scoliosis, dorsal diffuse disc protrusion L4/L5 up to 0.3 cm, deforming anterior parts dural sac and extending into the intervertebral holes on both sides. Also recorded physiological disc protrusion Th12-L4, L5/S1, measuring up to 0.2 cm. In the body of L4 vertebra is noted slight defect Schmorl.

CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance picture of mild initial changes in the thoracic spine. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine. L4/L5 disc protrusion. A small C-shaped scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine."

The family has little money and they are wondering what to do next. Any experts in the house to offer an opinion of the above? For example, does this condition appear to be a likely candidate for surgery, etc ? Thanks in advance. I would post this in a spine forum, but I cannot find one that has expert advice... just patients.

Enfuego · Apr 7, 2013

SoCal said:
I have a 17 year old relative in another country who was just diagnosed with the following after an MRI :

"A small left-sided scoliosis, dorsal diffuse disc protrusion L4/L5 up to 0.3 cm, deforming anterior parts dural sac and extending into the intervertebral holes on both sides. Also recorded physiological disc protrusion Th12-L4, L5/S1, measuring up to 0.2 cm. In the body of L4 vertebra is noted slight defect Schmorl.

CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance picture of mild initial changes in the thoracic spine. Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbosacral spine. L4/L5 disc protrusion. A small C-shaped scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine."

The family has little money and they are wondering what to do next. Any experts in the house to offer an opinion of the above? For example, does this condition appear to be a likely candidate for surgery, etc ? Thanks in advance. I would post this in a spine forum, but I cannot find one that has expert advice... just patients.

After you have the MRI results, you must see a neurosurgeon who will read the MRI and let you know what their recommendation is. Proceed from there.

studmlb55 · Apr 7, 2013

Enfuego said:
After you have the MRI results, you must see a neurosurgeon who will read the MRI and let you know what their recommendation is. Proceed from there.

You would be the first to post when someone is asking for a "expert"...

hno:

Defying · Apr 7, 2013

Pretty sure zjp is in chiropractor school but no idea if that's helpful

ZJP6050 · Apr 8, 2013

i'm assuming he or she is in a lot of pain...probably a great deal of nerve irritation/damage from protrusion into the intervertebral spaces, which contain spinal nerve pairings that circuit all over the body. discs sound compromised, likely leakage of vertebral fluids from bulges/herniations. it sounds like your relative was dealt a rough hand...this is still too advanced for me to offer any helpful recommendations. in reference to their financial situation, i'm sure a lot would depend on the laws of the country/insurance, etc. it sounds surgical to me, depending on level of pain. i'm sorry i can't be of more help, i'm still learning down here.

SoCal · Apr 8, 2013

ZJP6050 said:
i'm assuming he or she is in a lot of pain...probably a great deal of nerve irritation/damage from protrusion into the intervertebral spaces, which contain spinal nerve pairings that circuit all over the body. discs sound compromised, likely leakage of vertebral fluids from bulges/herniations. it sounds like your relative was dealt a rough hand...this is still too advanced for me to offer any helpful recommendations. in reference to their financial situation, i'm sure a lot would depend on the laws of the country/insurance, etc. it sounds surgical to me, depending on level of pain. i'm sorry i can't be of more help, i'm still learning down here.

She is just turning 18.. yes, from what I understand in lots of pain. They are in Siberia and the hospitals are not so great. My own Google research is suggesting yoga and exercise ball treatment.. but I just don't know if that could hurt her more or what. I appreciate your reply very much and if you should have any further thoughts, please feel free. If you know of a good forum where I can post the same info and receive some feedback, let me know that too.

Rx is filled with people from all walks of life. Good place to start when trying to understand a problem or develop a solution.

JasonBiggz · Apr 8, 2013

A 3mm disc protrusion is a shitload and would likely need surgery. I've seen many of these cases of scoli... going from her T12 to S1, she's probably going to need a rod placed In her back. If the scoliosis isnt too bad, she would still need a disc replacement at L4/L5. I recommend staying away from fusions. Sounds very painful reading that diagnosis. if they are low on money, they might want to reach out to a company beginning a clinical trial... yes the device wouldnt have been approved yet, but it would be much less expensive.

bigbet1234 · Apr 8, 2013

Enfuego said:
After you have the MRI results, you must see a neurosurgeon who will read the MRI and let you know what their recommendation is. Proceed from there.

Neuro?

L4 is the lower back. Seems like a disc degeneration/herniated disc also.

Therapy is good for most things. Screw surgery on the back!

Good luck

ZJP6050 · Apr 8, 2013

bigbet1234 said:
Neuro?

L4 is the lower back. Seems like a disc degeneration/herniated disc also.

Therapy is good for most things. Screw surgery on the back!

Good luck

neuro is spinal cord related also.