Disc space narrowing at L5/S1 with facet joint degenerative changes

sorabh_gupta · Newbie Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 1

I have been in back pain, radiating to legs for more than 6 months. We discussed GP and Physio and I have been doing exercise, but not with any luck.

Recently I got CT Scan performed, GP advised that I got "Disc space narrowing at L5/S1 with facet joint degenerative changes".
I have been referred to musculoskeletal physician.

Can some one explain, What does "Disc space narrowing at L5/S1 with facet joint degenerative changes" mean?

Guest · Guest

HI I SUFFER FROM THIS TO JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WAITING FOR FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT!!!WHICH IS NEXT WEEK!!!JUST WONDERING IF YOU HAVE FOUND OUT ANYTHING ELSE YET COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANKS...

jannybird · Guest

I just went to the Dr. and thought I had sciattica because I too have the shooting leg pain down the left. I was just told by primary care that I can go to Physical therapy, but I really would rather go to chiropracter. I am disheartened that the exercise therapy hasn't helped. that is exactly wha they are telling me to do. I had a feeling it would be a giant waste. What exactly does this mean in relation to my back. Is this serious or just a common thing in my 40's??? Hope you are checking the blog. thank you so much for your share...

Guest · Guest

I just got diagnosed with the same, along with degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joints bilaterally. I'm not yet 29! I've had this problem since I had my baby, who's now 17 months old, although it wasn't as bad in the beginning. Basically, what it means is that the disks between each vertebrae are cramped and getting smaller (better than a herniated or slipped disk though). It's sort of a kind of arthritis. My doctor said that exercise (low impact) should help heal it or at the very least keep it from getting worse. I will be doing physical therapy. I'm also going to pursue alternative medicine, like acupuncture, chiropractic, diet changes, and yoga, and try using the law of attraction to help heal myself (try and focus on healing thoughts rather than focussing on how much pain there is...right now enough that I can't sleep and am online!). I hope this helps.

sleeper288 · Newbie Joined: 02 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

hi my name is jeff i have been suffering the pain in for 4 years this is my list you ready lbp left foot numb ,lombago,insomina,depressive d/o,htn,anxietymoodchanges,nerver root compression,disc herniation,disc bulgel4,l5 i have had 1 laminectomy and 1 discectomy and say it out again and they say i should have another opp i have been thinking about a artificial disc just don't know yet so i suffer i am only 30 they cut me 1st time at 25 after 2 years of pain and try this try that if they got it i have done it 4 Edi's months of Physical therapy etc. and at 29 just 6 months ago but i try not to get down just got to try and keep your head up best way you can and try not to sit on your but to much it makes your pain worse i have found but do what dose not hurt and keep it short best to all who suffer the pain

PsyChris · Posted: 02/02/08 - 02:31 Post subject:

Disc space is the gap between two adjacent vertebral bodies. This space may be either widened or narrowed in pathologic states. In otherwords some disease is narrowing the space between your vertebrae. (i.e. osteochondrosis, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, gout, neuropathic osteoarthropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, dialysis spondyloarthropathies, sarcoidosis, the list goes on..)

Facet Joint Degenerative Changes are something that everyone gets with age. It's a common scapegoat to diagnosis "Chronic Back Pain." It's "normal"

Disc space narrowing at L5/S1 with facet joint degenerative changes

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