OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Guidance on MRI and X-ray Findings for Neck and Back Issues

I am a 25-year-old female experiencing chronic pain in my neck and back, and I am looking for advice regarding my recent MRI and X-ray results. **Back Issues:** - My discomfort began at the age of 15, without any prior injury. - I have been dealing with persistent lower back pain that radiates down my left leg and reaches my ankle. - For two years, I faced numerous challenges in obtaining a proper diagnosis. Initially, my first doctor prescribed me paracetamol and tramadol, and I relied on at least six pills daily to cope with my school responsibilities. - Eventually, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis at the L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels. During my consultation, the surgeon suggested that it might be a hereditary issue; at that time, I was too young to fully understand. Not long after, he retired. - I completed a year of physiotherapy, engaged in biokinetics, and undertook as much physical activity as possible, along with an unsuccessful nerve block procedure, leading up to decompression surgery (laminectomy and discectomy). **Neck Problems:** - By 2017, I began experiencing severe neck spasms accompanied by pain. - By 2019, the discomfort became intolerable, prompting me to consult the same neurologist. Unfortunately, he dismissed my concerns, attributing my symptoms to "degenerative" causes without further explanation. He administered a corticosteroid injection in my vertebrae, which provided no relief. - The pain persisted through 2020 and 2021, also re-emerging in my back. Additionally, I suffered two whiplash injuries from separate car accidents. - I have been enduring constant pain from morning until night. Recently, I have also been facing urinary incontinence, arm and leg pain, paresthesia, and migraines. - My mental health has notably declined, leading to two hospital admission recommendations last year, which I declined due to my studies. - I have tried managing my pain with medications and physiotherapy; however, I am a final-year medical student and felt like my body finally gave in during my break. - I found myself unable to walk or lift objects, and my headaches have worsened. In response, we visited the emergency room, where they treated my condition as a migraine and tension, then sent me home. - A week later, I returned to the hospital since I found it difficult even to leave my bed. This time, they sent me for X-rays and referred me for an MRI scan. - Due to a temporary hold on my medical aid for pre-existing conditions after switching to a new plan, we had to pay for both MRIs out of pocket. - Upon reviewing the results, although I don’t have my degree yet, my knowledge, history, and the findings all indicate that something is amiss. - The doctor referred me to a neurosurgeon, claiming he did not find anything alarming in the MRIs but advised that I see him. The earliest appointment available is on August 1, and I must be capable of working in hospitals within the next ten days. **My Questions:** - Am I wrong to feel frustrated about this situation? I understand the referral process, but is there no way to expedite a plan for my care? - Does the seriousness of my condition align with my concerns? - What realistic treatment options might I expect moving forward? I continue to attend physiotherapy and aqua aerobics, which is the only form of exercise I can manage. Any assistance or insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

6/18/2025, 5:40:50 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you are experiencing significant and chronic pain in your neck and back, alongside other concerning symptoms such as urinary incontinence, arm and leg pain, and migraines. Your lifestyle, including being a final-year medical student with responsibilities, makes this situation even more challenging.

Main Points:

1. Your frustration is valid considering the severity of your symptoms and the ongoing difficulties in obtaining timely care.
2. Your symptoms and history warrant close monitoring and possibly urgent intervention.
3. Treatment options may include pain management strategies, continued physiotherapy, and a thorough evaluation by a neurosurgeon.

Explanation:

Chronic pain in the neck and back, especially with additional symptoms like urinary incontinence and neurological issues (like paresthesia and migraine), requires careful diagnosis and management. The referrals to specialists, while sometimes lengthy, are crucial for determining specific interventions tailored to your condition. Given your medical background, it's understandable that you might want quicker resolutions.

Next Steps:

1. Communicate Urgency: Contact the neurosurgeon’s office again, explain your symptoms' severity, and ask if they can prioritize your appointment due to the impacting nature of your symptoms, especially given your responsibilities in medical school and the urgency indicated by your current situation.

2. Keep Track of Symptoms: Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note when pain worsens, what you were doing, and any other associated symptoms. This will help the neurosurgeon understand the full scope of your situation during your appointment.

3. Pain Management Strategies:

   • Continue with physiotherapy, focusing on gentle stretches and exercises that do not exacerbate pain. Your physiotherapist may also provide modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to ease discomfort.
   • Consider discussing alternative pain relief options with a healthcare provider, including topical analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other medications that better suit your current needs.

4. Explore Support Systems: Since you mentioned a decline in mental health, consider reaching out to counseling services available at your medical school or local resources that can provide support. This is essential for your overall well-being.

5. Urgent Symptoms Monitoring: Should you experience significant worsening of symptoms, such as new or increased weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that cannot be managed, seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while the wait may feel long and frustrating, advocating for yourself and being proactive about your symptoms is crucial. Engage with your healthcare providers, and take care of your mental health as it's just as important as physical health.