Back pain for 3 years - MRI

tomkit677

Hi all. 
Just after some advice on what to expect. 
So I've had lower back pain for years on and off, about 3 years now. I lifted something heavy that started it all, it hurts to the point I can't get out of bed at all, stops after like a week and randomly comes back sometimes weeks later. Sometimes months. It's now combined with an on/off pain in the neck, it's just horrendously bad. Referred to MRI for next week but has anyone had this before and what did it find? Also sounds stupid but how do you get the results? Like does the doctor call you? 
Thank you all 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I can't really answer your question but hope others can just wanted to welcome you 

I would have thought the results depend on who requested the mri and how they pass on the results each specialist or hospital will no doubt be different 

SueHeath

Good morning @tomkit677 welcome to our great group.
With back pain it can be numerous things, the MRI scan will show whats going on, hopefully. For the results it does depend who referred you, you will be told when you have the scan how long it will be for the results.
Have you had a MRI scan before ?

Cartini

Hi,

I`ve had back pain since being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis in 1997 following an MRI; this was soon followed up with a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis (physical examination by a Dr).  Last year (22) I was given another diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis following an MRI (which was prompted by debilitating pain when standing up).

My first MRI was whilst I was in the Royal Navy; my then civilian Dr informed me in the sick bay.

For my most recent MRI, I had an appointment with the musculoskeletal specialist at the local hospital where he explained the results of the MRI.  He was also kind enough to point out the excess fat (or padding, as he called it ) around my body

I can also see the results of any tests / x-rays / scans online via my surgery. 

SueHeath

Cartini said:

Hi,

I`ve had back pain since being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis in 1997 following an MRI; this was soon followed up with a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis (physical examination by a Dr).  Last year (22) I was given another diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis following an MRI (which was prompted by debilitating pain when standing up).

My first MRI was whilst I was in the Royal Navy; my then civilian Dr informed me in the sick bay.

For my most recent MRI, I had an appointment with the musculoskeletal specialist at the local hospital where he explained the results of the MRI.  He was also kind enough to point out the excess fat (or padding, as he called it ) around my body

I can also see the results of any tests / x-rays / scans online via my surgery. 

Hi Cartini arn't the pictures amaizing, i think there very clever machines.
I remember my very first MRI many years ago and when i went into the consultants room all the pictures were plastered all over the walls, now with the wonders of technology we see the results 3d on screen , amaizing x

Cartini

SueHeath said:

Cartini said:

Hi,

I`ve had back pain since being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis in 1997 following an MRI; this was soon followed up with a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis (physical examination by a Dr).  Last year (22) I was given another diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis following an MRI (which was prompted by debilitating pain when standing up).

My first MRI was whilst I was in the Royal Navy; my then civilian Dr informed me in the sick bay.

For my most recent MRI, I had an appointment with the musculoskeletal specialist at the local hospital where he explained the results of the MRI.  He was also kind enough to point out the excess fat (or padding, as he called it ) around my body

I can also see the results of any tests / x-rays / scans online via my surgery. 

Hi Cartini arn't the pictures amaizing, i think there very clever machines.
I remember my very first MRI many years ago and when i went into the consultants room all the pictures were plastered all over the walls, now with the wonders of technology we see the results 3d on screen , amaizing x

Hi SueHeath

I never got to see the images from my first scan; all I was handed by my then Dr was a report of the scans (which I still have now and used as evidence for PIP).

Not wishing to sound geeky (because I work in IT), but I was very, very impressed with the imagery.  Zooming in, zooming out, turning left, turning right and spinning the images as needed.  They are indeed amazing

tomkit677

Thanks guys! 
I went and now I'm even more scared. 
So I went yesterday and the MRI I found to be OK, was at work today when a text came through from my doctors to make an appointment to discuss the results. I called them and they said a doctor would call me? 
Is this bad news realistically?
I was told 7-10 days so why are they texting the day after? 

SueHeath

Morning @tomkit677 just try and not panic about things, wait till you hear what the Doctor has to say. 

Wibbles

I have had MRI's since 1993 - most were on my head (which,surprisingly was NOT empty)

more recently - I have had them on my spine (I too suffer from lower back pain - and have done for 20+ years - now, preventing me from walking)

Just one thing

My spine relaxes when lying down - so the full problem is never clearly visible on the image

Don't know whether their is the opportunity to have an MRI standing up - if there is - and you can remain standing still for the (approx) 15 minutes that it takes) go for it !

Cher_Alumni

@tomkit677 Welcome to our online community, how's your Sunday going?

I'm sorry you're struggling with back pain, from what I hear it can be relentless. Although the early call back about your MRI might be concerning, try to look at the positives - action is being taken about it finally and you are in the best possible hands for any recommended treatment. 

Please let us know how the chat with your doctor goes and in the meantime, relax the best you can.

durhamjaide2001

How did the appointment go with your doctor @cartha? 

tomkit677

Thank you guys for your best wishes! 
MRI showed a lump between two discs in the l4/5 region (I won't pretend to know where that is!), they've referred me to the spinal surgery team. 

SueHeath

Morning @tomkit677 Hope you get the appointment through quick, worst part is waiting around for these procedures when your in pain.
Are you relieved they have found something, at the begining of my long journey i used to worry they wouldn't find any thing wrong and leave me dealing with the pain, you will have something to work with now. Hope i've made sense. 

Hannah_Alumni

@tomkit677 Keeping everything crossed your appointment with the spinal surgery team comes through soon! Were they able to give you any more information? or are you waiting on this appointment to find out more?

tomkit677

Thanks guys! 
I am kinda relieved that they found something so something can be done but the thought of surgery there does terrify me. 
They just said that the lump between the discs needs removing and it's that that's causing the discs to bulge and that's where the pain is so I guess that part makes sense. 

Hannah_Alumni

@tomkit677 It sounds straight forward, well from their prospective!

Surgery is scary for a lot of people, I have had three surgeries myself. But the funny thing is, although I know recovery was difficult, I can't remember it as that now. Hopefully the appointment comes through soon, surgery goes well, recovery goes well and you'll be telling us everything you've gotten up to