Understanding Radiology Findings
I'm a 28-year-old female residing in the United States with a prior diagnosis of lupus. Recently, I underwent an abdominal x-ray as part of a gastrointestinal examination. While I'm not concerned about the GI results, I'm puzzled by the findings related to my spine. The report indicates alterations in the transverse processes of my L4 and L5 vertebrae, specifically noting a thickening on the right side and a thinning on the left. It also suggests that an MRI of the lumbar spine would be beneficial for further evaluation. Can someone explain what these findings imply? I've been experiencing severe lower back pain and episodes where my back feels rigid for approximately two to three years, without any recollection of injuries or accidents. I appreciate any insights you might have regarding this situation!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 11:20:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
The findings in your abdominal x-ray report indicate some changes in the transverse processes of your L4 and L5 vertebrae. Specifically, thickening on the right side and thinning on the left could suggest a few possibilities related to your lower back pain and stiffness, particularly considering your history with lupus, which can affect joints and bones.
Explanation
The transverse processes are small bony protrusions on the sides of the vertebrae. Alterations in these structures can occur due to increased wear and tear, inflammation, or other underlying conditions. In the context of lupus, there can be an inflammatory component that could affect the spine and surrounding structures, leading to pain and rigidity.
The recommendation for an MRI is to gain further insights. An MRI can help visualize soft tissues, discs, nerves, and any existing inflammation or damage that an x-ray might miss. This will give a clearer picture of what might be causing your severe lower back pain, especially since you mentioned a chronic duration of symptoms without known injury.
Next Steps
-
Follow Up on MRI: Schedule the MRI of your lumbar spine as suggested in the report. This is crucial to get a better understanding of the findings and to determine the best course of action.
-
Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of the severity of your back pain and any other symptoms you experience (like numbness or weakness). Noting any changes can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
-
Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle stretches or low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, if you can tolerate it. This can help maintain flexibility and encourage blood flow to the affected area.
-
Manage Pain: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed, but ensure you communicate this with your healthcare team given your lupus condition.
-
Discuss Findings with a Specialist: Once you have the MRI results, it might be helpful to discuss them with a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist who understands the implications of lupus on spinal health.
Understanding your body and its signals is important, especially with a chronic condition. It’s okay to feel unsure about these findings; the goal is to gather more information to guide you toward relief and proper management of your symptoms. If you have more questions or concerns, I'm here to help!
Related Questions
Experiencing Reflux-like Symptoms on Lamotrigine: Seeking Insights
Recently, I was diagnosed with emotional instability and prescribed 200mg of Lamotrigine, also known as Lamictal. As an 18-year-old female with several years of medication history, I’ve been on Lamotrigine for approximately 18 months without experiencing any adverse skin reactions. However, since I started taking it in the morning, I’ve been grappling with a sensation akin to reflux. This discomfort manifests as a feeling of having something lodged in my throat, accompanied by nausea, a hot sensation in my chest, excessive sleepiness, and an overwhelming sense of weakness reminiscent of low blood pressure episodes. Additionally, I've noticed dark circles under my eyes and a slight sense of confusion. Initially, I didn’t connect these symptoms to the medication and sought opinions from multiple doctors. An endoscopy revealed no traces of gastric acid in my throat, and despite making dietary changes to avoid acidic foods, I remained in the dark about the root cause. It dawned on me that these symptoms seemed to arise between 1 to 2.5 hours post-medication. After discussing this with my psychiatrist, we decided to adjust my dosage schedule to before bedtime. I currently take Lamotrigine at night, but if I wake up during the night, I still experience these symptoms. I’m unsure of what might be causing this issue and don’t know anyone else on the same medication to share insights. I would appreciate any information regarding what could be contributing to these sensations or advice on how to manage them better.
Understanding Foot Puffiness: Is it Swelling or Just Extra Weight?
Greetings! I’ve been observing some puffiness on the surface of my feet recently. However, it seems more prominent on my left foot. I’m curious if this is due to extra weight or if it could be swelling. This change first caught my attention a few weeks ago. I haven’t experienced any redness or discomfort so far. Allow me to provide some context about my situation. Age: 36 years Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 140 pounds Medical Background: - Endometriosis - Partial seizure disorder - Depression Medications I currently take include: - IUD - Pepcid - Seroquel 20 mg - Progesterone 4 mg - Duloxetine 90 mg - Zonegran 300 mg Additionally, I’m taking these supplements: - Fiber - Multivitamin I would appreciate any insights you could share regarding this matter!
Reflections on My Sister's Final Moments
My sister, a 21-year-old, tragically ended her life just two days ago by overdosing on what I suspect were her antidepressant medications, specifically amitriptyline. When she began to seize, I immediately dialed 911 and stayed with her throughout the ordeal. She was incredibly disoriented, and I can’t help but replay moments in my mind, wishing I had recognized the signs of her distress sooner; perhaps if I had, she could have been saved. Before the emergency team arrived, in a futile attempt to ease her suffering, I offered her some liquid Tylenol, believing it might alleviate her pain—a decision I now regret. I need to know—did she experience suffering at the end? I wish she had never been put on that so-called "antidepressant." In terms of her physical attributes, she stood about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed around 150 pounds.
Request for Insights and Guidance
At 25 years old and having a height of 5’3” with a weight of 200 lbs, I identify as AFAB and am currently on a regimen of medications. These include lamotrigine 200mg, duloxetine 60mg, vitamin D at 5000 units, amitriptyline 50mg, levothyroxine at 25mcg, propranolol 10mg taken three times a day, zyrtec at 10mg four times a day, tizanidine 4mg twice daily, and famotidine 20mg twice daily. For the past decade, I have been grappling with debilitating back pain that originated when I was just 15. My medical history reveals diagnoses of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and degenerative disc disease, along with Hashimoto’s disease, POTS, MCAS, endometriosis, SFN, and IC/BPS. In addition to severe back discomfort, I also experience acute pelvic pain, bilateral sciatica, and sensations of numbness and weakness. I have even sought emergency care due to the intensity of my pain. I've been engaged in physical therapy intermittently since I was 15 and have explored various treatments, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, TENS units, heat applications, NSAIDs, gabapentin, and narcotics, especially following a car accident last October. Unfortunately, none of these approaches have provided relief. Despite my gynecological surgeon ruling out endometriosis as a source of my pelvic pain, both my therapist and primary care doctor have advised that surgery is my final recourse, leading to my discharge from both standard physical and pelvic therapy. I am reaching out to see if anyone has insights or recommendations. Additionally, I suspect the yellow arrows might point to potential Tarlov cysts, which are often observed in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but frequently dismissed as mere incidental findings—even if they can contribute to pain. My recent report noted a few mild bulges, yet I am unable to consult a neurosurgeon until February 10. In the meantime, I am eager to gather as much information as possible to advocate effectively for my health and avoid being misunderstood by another healthcare provider.
Chronic Neck Pain: Should I Consult a Doctor or Just Try Physical Therapy?
**Profile:** 39-year-old female, Caucasian, residing in the U.S., height 5’5”, weight 150 lbs. **Health Background:** - **Anxiety:** Managed with 10mg of Lexapro daily, effectively controlled. - **Weight loss:** Once classified as obese; currently on 7.5mg of Zepbound for the past 10 months, showing progress. For managing neck discomfort, I have been using ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aleve, but they offer limited relief. I also incorporate Benefiber into my daily routine. My chronic neck pain has persisted for several years, with a notable increase in severity since 2024. Initially, I believed it stemmed from poor posture related to my desk job, commonly referred to as tech neck. However, the extent of the pain now raises concerns that it may have developed into a more serious condition. Daily, I experience varying levels of pain ranging from 2 to 6 on a scale of 10, characterized by a sharp, aching stiffness primarily in the cervical bones and joints rather than typical muscle soreness. The discomfort frequently escalates into headaches that can induce nausea, as well as cause pain radiating to my jaw, teeth, and ears—sometimes to the point where I feel a metallic taste in my mouth. My work involves a desk job which requires a round-trip commute of 3-4 hours on 2-3 days each week. Despite attempting to optimize my workspace ergonomically, nothing seems to provide genuine relief. The days when I work from home are markedly better since I spend much less time sitting at a desk and I avoid extensive driving. In terms of physical activity, my lifestyle is somewhat balanced; while I don’t engage in regular workouts, I keep active by chasing after my three young children. During the warmer seasons, I also enjoy gardening and outdoor activities with them. I did give physical therapy a shot, but the cost exceeding $200 per session is simply beyond my budget. I often attempt the exercises independently; occasionally they alleviate the pain, but at other times they can trigger migraine-like symptoms. Stretching consistently does not seem to yield positive results. The strengthening exercises, although painful, provide brief relief, giving me a sensation of realignment. Massage therapy has proven to be the most beneficial; I typically enjoy 24 to 48 hours of pain relief from that. Unfortunately, regular massages can be financially burdensome. I've invested in a massage gun, which can be soothing, but it’s challenging to effectively use on my neck or when suffering from a headache. Temporary relief comes from using a heating pad or a warm shower, as well as with a TENS unit. Is it advisable to consult my physician about my condition? Could my symptoms indicate arthritis, a disc problem, or something similar that would require diagnostic imaging like an X-ray or MRI? Would exploring anti-inflammatory injections provide a significant surge in my recovery from the current situation? Or is my predicament likely to be one that can only be resolved through posture correction and physical therapy, with no other solutions available?