Unresolved Childhood Injury Leading to Severe Back Pain: MRI Insights Needed
At 39 years of age and weighing 158 pounds, I've been diagnosed with lumbarization and pseudoarthrosis of the sixth lumbar vertebra. While I have found some relief from lower back pain through injections, my mid-back discomfort has escalated to an unbearable level now that my primary focus has shifted away from the lower back issues. The roots of my problem trace back to when I was 13. I had taken the risk of riding bareback without my parents' consent and, unfortunately, ended up falling off. We kept that incident a secret. I landed on my mid-back and rolled over twice. In that moment, my rationale was quite simplistic: as long as I wasn't paralyzed, I figured I must be okay—pain is just part of growing up. Consequently, I never sought medical evaluation. Fast forward to today, and I'm reaching my breaking point. Recently, I underwent an abdominal MRI to investigate an enlarged spleen and liver, which appeared unrelated to my back pain. The results for my organs came back normal. However, while reviewing the spinal images, I noticed some unusual markings on the vertebrae in the areas where I had fallen as a child. There are what seem to be cracks or lines along the problematic vertebrae that resonate with my past injury. I realize this MRI was not intended to assess my spine, so clarity can be limited. I'm curious whether these markings signify anything abnormal or if they could indicate underlying structural problems. My doctor did not provide an explanation; instead, he simply requested a follow-up MRI. Any guidance or insight on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Photos are available in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 3:01:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with considerable discomfort from both your mid and lower back, stemming from an unresolved childhood injury. The MRI findings you observed may be related to that history, and it's understandable to have concerns about what those markings on your vertebrae might mean. Here’s what you need to know and some actionable steps to consider.
Main Points:
- Understanding the MRI Findings: While I'm unable to provide a definitive diagnosis, the markings you describe could suggest changes in the bone structure, potentially involving historical trauma, degeneration, or stress-related changes.
- Next Steps and Pain Management: Prioritizing relief from your pain is crucial. Since you've had some benefit from previous interventions, we can explore additional self-care strategies.
Explanation:
The terms "lumbarization" and "pseudoarthrosis" refer to structural changes in your spine. Lumbarization means the first sacral vertebra is acting like an extra lumbar vertebra, and pseudoarthrosis indicates a potential non-healing or unstable area in your spine. The markings on the vertebrae might indicate previous stress or minor fractures that occurred from your childhood fall.
It’s not uncommon for injuries—especially those not treated at the time—to manifest issues later in life. The lack of immediate symptoms or the decision to ignore pain is unfortunately a common outlook for many people, especially children.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your pain levels, locations, and any related activities. This information can help identify triggers and provide useful details for healthcare consultations.
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Pain Management: Consider using heat or cold therapy on your back to alleviate discomfort. You might also explore gentle stretching or physical therapy exercises specifically aimed at improving back strength and flexibility.
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Follow-Up MRI: Once your doctor schedules the follow-up MRI, ensure you express your concerns and specifically discuss those markings you observed. If needed, ask for a referral to a spine specialist or an orthopedic doctor who can provide a detailed analysis of your spine situation based on both MRIs.
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Alternative Therapies: Given the ongoing pain, also investigate non-invasive treatments, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, which some individuals find beneficial for chronic back pain relief.
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Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet and stay active as much as your pain allows. Regular low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming, can benefit overall spine health.
These steps should help you manage your symptoms and gain more clarity regarding your spinal health. I'm here to provide further information or support as you navigate this complex situation.
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