Another Update About My Lower Back

Last week, I had an MRI of my lumbar spine, but I didn’t see my doctor again until today.  I had read the MRI report, but it’s written in medical jargon.  Some parts I understood.  For other parts, I needed my doctor to interpret it for me.

I’ve developed two synovial cysts, and they’re impinging on two separate nerve roots.  That’s been the source of my back and leg pain.

I’ve had synovial cysts before.  They can develop overnight, and they can also go away overnight.  They’re fairly innocuous, but if they’re large enough, they can occupy the same space as a nerve root, exerting pressure on the nerve.  That’s what’s happening.

The MRI also showed some degeneration of my lumbar discs.  A few of them have small bulges, and one is protruding.  Also, two of my lumbar discs have small tears in the annulus, which is the thick other wall of the disc.  Neither of these discs is herniated.

The doctor didn’t even mention those degenerative issues until I asked about them.  She said they’re pretty normal for someone my age.  You could see the similar wear and tear in the lumbar discs of people who aren’t experiencing any discomfort.

I resumed running more than a week ago, but I’ve been going slow, and I’ve been trying to land gently.  When I asked if it would be safe to go all-out in a race, the doctor said I have to let pain be my guide.  She said the same thing when I asked about race-walking.  I need to ease into it and see how it feels.