Is Nerve Compression in the Lumbar Spine Common?
Hello all, this is my initial entry in this subreddit. I'm a 29-year-old male. For the past six months, I've been experiencing an unsettling sensation of imbalance, as if the ground is giving way while I walk. When sitting, particularly on hard surfaces, I often feel a swaying or rocking motion along with a strange vibrating feeling in my legs. Additionally, I've been plagued by constant headaches. I have undergone extensive medical evaluations, including tests for my heart, brain, vision, and ear, nose, and throat, but nothing alarming was discovered. After much persuasion, I managed to get my neurologist to perform a comprehensive MRI of my spine because I've also been dealing with persistent dull pain in my lower back that doesn't seem to improve, despite trying heat, cold therapy, stretching, exercising, swimming, and even altering my diet to reduce stress. The MRI revealed some findings related to my spine, but my neurologist dismissed them as normal for someone my age without providing further details. Is he correct in that assessment? If so, could these findings be linked to the symptoms I’m experiencing? Any insights would be greatly valued! --- **MRI Whole Spine Summary** **Observations:** - There is a straightening of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spinal curves, with no evidence of scoliosis or spondylolisthesis present. - The upper thoracic spine shows multifocal marginal osteophytes along the posterior vertebral endplates, which are causing slight indentation of the thecal sac across several levels. - Throughout the entire spine, a reduction in T2-weighted signal of the cervical intervertebral discs has been observed. - At the L5/S1 level, there is a broad-based disc protrusion affecting the L5/S1 disc, which results in mild narrowing of both the spinal canal and foramens, leading to compression of the left S1 traversing nerve root and indentation of the right S1 traversing nerve root. **Conclusion:** - Diagnosis indicates degenerative disc disease at the lumbar region, notably with left S1 nerve root compression due to the L5/S1 disc protrusion. - The presence of multifocal marginal osteophytes in the upper thoracic spine is causing minor indentation of the thecal sac across multiple levels.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 8:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel unsettled by your symptoms and while seeking clarity on your MRI findings. Nerve compression in the lumbar spine, specifically, is a common issue, particularly with age-related changes like disc degeneration. Your MRI results suggest this may be contributing to your discomfort and symptoms.
Explanation:
Your MRI findings indicate that there is a broad-based disc protrusion at the L5/S1 level, which is causing mild compression of the left S1 nerve root. This compression may lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and possibly contribute to feelings of imbalance and other neurological sensations you described. The straightening of spinal curves and osteophytes are common in degenerative conditions and might not directly correlate with the unsteadiness you feel while walking.
Next Steps:
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Activity Modification: Continue to engage in low-impact exercises, but be mindful of activities that could exacerbate your symptoms. Focus on strengthening your core and back muscles, which can help support your spine.
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Pain Management: If you haven’t already, consider over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as needed. Discuss any persistent pain management strategies with your healthcare provider.
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Physical Therapy: Seek out a physical therapist who specializes in back pain and nerve issues. They can tailor a program to help you safely work through your symptoms and improve your stability.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes in sensation, pain levels, and situations that exacerbate your imbalance. This can be helpful for future assessments.
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Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist or worsen, particularly if you notice additional issues like weakness in your legs, intensifying pain, or difficulties with bladder/bowel control, it’s important to have further discussions with your neurologist or consider a second opinion.
It's natural to have questions about how your spinal findings relate to your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more comprehensive explanations or resources when discussing your MRI results with your healthcare team. Remember, you have the right to understand your health and treatment options fully.
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