Opinion on Spine-Lumbar Results

Opinion on Spine-Lumbar Results

Q:

Age: 45 Sex: F Concern: Chronic pain

I was in a car accident over 20 years ago and had a hairline fracture of C-7. Since then, I have been going to various PT's and pain management doctors to seek treatment when needed for pain. I weigh approximately 150 lbs, 5' 4" and am in otherwise good health and fairly active. My most recent Xray results findings read:

There are 5 lumbar-type,non-rib-bearing, vertebral bodies are identified. There are severely degenerated discs at T12-L1, L1-2, l2-3, and L3-4. There is mild retrolisthesis of L4 relative to L5. There are moderate degenerative changes in the articular facets at this level as well.

IMPRESSION: Advanced osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine; most significant is degenerative disc disease in the upper spine.

Family doctor prescribed celebrex and four weeks of physical therapy. Is there anything I can do to slow the arthristis down - does the celebrex do that or just mask the pain? Therapy helped somewhat, and I am exercising, but the outcome is not looking good as I get older as it keeps getting worse. Bending, even sitting for any length of time is becoming harder. What is the prognosis for someone with these type of Xray results?

-- va21

A:

Please go see a therapist for a good stabilization excercise program including traction. Epidurals can also be considered as well.
Of course, all of this must be under the supervision of your doctor.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.