Mri

[truckerswife]

I don't know much about MRI's. I had one done yesterday. Both cervical and lumbar. I am curious. Would things such as cyst or endometriosis be visible? The pain in my lower back is almost unbearable. It doesn't matter if I am sitting or standing the pain will not go away. It just started about a month ago and seems to get more intense everyday. I do have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. It hurts right on my spine and over on the top of my right buttocks. I know this sounds kinda silly but half of my butt feels asleep. My upper back/neck has been bothering me for almost a year now but I think my lower pain is worse. Ugh!! Make it stop!! Yes I am a complainer. I admit it.

[JRScott]

Well sadly despite x-rays and mri they never found what's wrong with my back . Even though my friend's wife said it was a compression of two discs and I forgot which two she said. (She works in radiology).

I do hope the results are better for you

[DisneyGirl]

I was told endometriosis can only be found with laparoscopic surgery. The pain you describe sounds so much like what my brother had and he had disc problems that eventually required surgery to correct. Good luck and I hope they can pinpoint the problem and correct it so you can be pain-free!

[AngelinaCat]

I agree with Disney's Girl. Your condition sounds similar to what I had surgery for in 1996. I am fine now. An MRI is the best tool to reveal what the probem is.

Good luck to you.

[Over our heads]

MRI's are awesome! I've only seen them for my daughter, and in fact she will have one next week. For her they are doing it to re-verify where her SB defect is at. They should have an answer for you pretty darn quick tho!

[AngelinaCatHub]

Endometriosis can be cured by hormones. My daughter had it and once pregnant it went away. Yes it should be visible in an MRI. This is a very accurate picture of you in slices, and cannot be better except by actual cutting.

MRI works this way, all molecules are magnetized and line up with the magnetic field, when the field collapses the molecules turn back where they were. Each organ and part of you turn differently by what they are made of, distance, etc. An antenna captures these signals spun off by the rearrangement of the molecules on collapse and are put together in form by a computer program.

Lower back pain is common as all your life as two legged animals, the weight of half your body is placed on the smallest part of the spine right above the pelvis. This weakens in time and age and bone density. The nerve problems bother me, however a back problem can pinch nerves and you can get sympathetic pain. Sciatica is an example as your left leg can hurt yes the right nerve coming out of the spine is pinched much higher than the pain experienced. ‘Hub

[truckerswife]

surgeons office just called to say that they didn't find anything on MRI or X-rays. I'm so upset. I guess it's all just been in my head. The woman who called said the surgeon recommends things like lifting exercises. I'm getting another opinion.

[DisneyGirl]

surgeons office just called to say that they didn't find anything on MRI or X-rays. I'm so upset. I guess it's all just been in my head. The woman who called said the surgeon recommends things like lifting exercises. I'm getting another opinion.

How frustrating.

I'm glad they didn't find anything serious but I'm with you on getting a second opinion. You shouldn't have to live in pain like that.

[truckerswife]

Thanks Disneygirl. I am getting ready to go in to work and I am so excited. I work 3 - 12 hour shifts. I get to stand on concrete for 12 hours (minus 2, 30 minute breaks). I wish I could just call off. I want my meds. I called. I pick up my copies of the MRI and x-rays Tuesday. Thanks everyone for the responses.

[twuoo]

Sorry for the personal question, but are you overweight? It's possible that the weight is either compressing the spine and pinching nerves/discs or that it's pinching the sciatic nerve which is painful and feels like your bottom is numb.

[kornellred]

I had lumbar surgery 10 years ago after putting up with 20 years of intermittent pain. The nerve roots at L4-L5 were squeezed to the size of a pencil point, when they are normally about the diameter of a "pinkie" finger. The surgery completely restored all function to my legs and I have been pain-free ever since. That's a very, very rare outcome. Spinal surgery is quite often unsuccessful in relieving pain unless the pathology is crystal clear, as mine was. I once saw a video where a neurosurgeon was talking about back pain. He said that it can feel like it is going to kill you - but take comfort in knowing that it definitely will not.

I have collapsed disks in my neck as well, revealed by MRI long ago. My neurosurgeon said it is best to delay cervical spine surgery until you can no longer tolerate the discomfort. Darned good advice!

[truckerswife]

Well, don't get me wrong I am relieved that there is nothing serious it's just that I want to know what is going on. The surgeon and his staff were extremely rude and I got the feeling they thought I am exaggerating about the pain.

[Flamingo]

Well, don't get me wrong I am relieved that there is nothing serious it's just that I want to know what is going on. The surgeon and his staff were extremely rude and I got the feeling they thought I am exaggerating about the pain.

Disc problems would be the first clue as to the pain you are describing since it is felt in your right buttock. Typical symptom of a possible compressed disc (no dr. here but had several family members with same issues). An MRI would have picked that right up for you so it is not spine related. You indicate other concerns - see your GYN. I hate it when women get dismissed that it is all in their head. So many things get overlooked with that assumption. Get a second opinon.

[LuciluS]

I've had back problems since I was 19 yrs old and I'm 55 now. I couldn't tell you how Many, Many MRIs'(closed and open), Cat Scans, Myleograms, X-Rays...you name it - I've had the test. Diagnosed in 1990 with Fibromyalgia. Had complete hysterectomy at 40 yrs old. Year 2000 breast reduction to help alleviate pain recommended by my wonderful GP.

Lived with that stigma (Fibromyalgia) until 3-14-05 when I was a passenger in my husband's 4WD truck and we just barely got rear-ended. Brunt of the hit was on a big trailer hitch. Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar MRIs performed on 3/16/05.

6 surgeries(5/1/05 - 9/27/07) on my neck and lower back, Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted in my lower back (Arachnoiditis-cob web of nerve roots..inoperable now), Permament Nerve Damage to my left foot (toes will not move). The Diagnose - Severe Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease. Bone Spurs all up and down my spine. Ostearthritis in spine, hands and feet/toes.

Hereditary is what my Neurosurgeon told me and I believe him as my son was diagnosed with it last year at the age of 30. 100% disabled, see a Pain Management Doctor every month, on Morphine and 7 other medications.

Go see your Gynecologist to rule out 'Female Problems'. If not that, would recommend finding a Diagnostic Clinic who will do bloodwork, maybe a CT Scan and such.

Don't give up if you are still hurting!