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CT Scan
I recently underwent a CT Scan for problems with my lower back. The transcription follows the details of my problem.
I’m a 40 year old SFC with 19 years of Army service. I’ve done the typical years of jumpin’, humpin’, and runnin’. I’ve experienced lower back pain, with various degrees of severity, for about 10 years. I had a thorough physical in 2000, when I explained the pains I got in my back and upper legs. The Doctor stated that my problem was “Sciatica”, and said that it would probably be a continual one. I’d usually have two to three serious episodes per year, lasting about three weeks. They were always non-situational; it could occur whether I had done extensive physical activity, or if I had done nothing. This year, it started to get chronic; it’s been mostly continual, but mildly painful. It’s not debilitating, just annoying. At any rate, after a couple trips to sick call, I was put on a “breathe at your own pace” profile, and had X-rays taken. The PA stated that I had compressed disks, with some osteo-arthritis. I was referred to the Physical Medicine section at 121 Hospital, for a CT Scan. I have been on profile for five months now, with three months treatment of Celebrex. The pain has been the same. The Doctor said that the next step would probably be spinal injections. He has stated that I may be on limited physical activity for the next two or three years. My concern is my future; I want to return to Fort Bragg. But, if I can’t jump, what would be the point? I am eligible for retirement; if I can’t perform with my Soldiers, I’d rather not even be out there with them. The CT Scan transcription is as follows:
Procedure: CT, LUMBAR SPINE (WITHOUT CONTRAST)
Exam Date: 21 May 2004
Reason for Order: LBP w/occasional leg pain. Please scan for L3/4/5/S1.
Procedure: Multiple axial images were obtained from the level of the pedicles of L3 through the upper part of the body of S1. Scan slices were reconstructed to be parallel to the disc spaces. No IV contrast was employed. The images were viewed in both bone and appropriate soft tissue windows.
Findings: The following levels were evaluated by axial imaging –
L3/4: Normal
L4/5: At this level a right paracentral disk protrusion is present which contacts the ventral thecal sac and the right L5 root but does not significantly displace these structures. The right lateral recess is crowded.
L5/S1: At this level a left paracentral disk protrusion is present which contacts but does not displace the ventral thecal sac and left S1 nerve root. The lateral recess is not significantly crowded.
There was no evidence of spinal stenosis, spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis.
IMPRESSION:
1. Right paracentral disk protrusion at the L4/5 level in a position to affect the right L5 root.
2. Left paracentral disk protrusion at the L5/S1 in a position to affect the left S1 root.
Transcription Date/Time: 21 May 2004, 1413 hours
Now, I’m not looking for a diagnosis here; just some opinions and/or advice. If I can perform physically without further damaging myself, I’ll do that and work through the pain. I’ve been doing that for ten years, anyway. If further jumping puts me at risk, then I’ll just submit my request for retirement. I thank all in advance for advice and assistance.
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