MRI results - can someone translate this to English please

It is saying the sacroiliac joint (the joint which connects the bottom of your spine to your pelvis) has erosions, which is irregularity to the contour of the joint caused by inflammation. Marrow intensity is also a sign of inflammation. 

The corners of the lumbar spine have bone marrow oedema (swelling) caused by inflammation. This results in shiny corners called Romanus lesions and are an early sign of inflammatory changes in the spine. 

There is no fusion which is good news, so hopefully being diagnosed at such a young age, with the proper meds it will slow progression. It is basically saying you have an inflammatory arthritis, which affects the spine. It is important to do low impact exercises and stretches but avoid contact sports that can cause further damage or injury. When you see your specialist they will probably refer you to Physio, who will help create a programme of exercises. A good place to find more info is the charity NASS.co.uk,they also have one geared to younger people like yourself ASOne.nass.co.uk. There are also Facebook forums where you can ask lots of questions, and get support from people who understand your issues. 

Medication helps many of us lead a fairly normal life. If you google Romanus lesions it will give you an idea of what they see on your MRI. Hope this helps, 

The Facebook forum is: Ankylosing Spondylitis support group UK. Feel free to ask me to clarify anything for you. Do you have an appointment with a Rheumatologist? 

You will need to see a rheumatologist. Have you been reffered to one?

It's basically saying there are signs of both chronic and acute inflammation. Chronic means it's been happening for awhile and acute means it's happening right now.

They will likely want to start treatment straight away. Look into alternative treatment options too like diet change, supplements etc a good diet, exercise and supplements can help with prognosis and help reduce inflammation ?

Erosions?  Yeah, I could see getting caught up with that word!  Kind of yucky sounding is it not?  Hone in on the word "small".  And erosions meaning "changes".  That's all: small changes.  And accordingly looks like you have AS.  (which it sounds like you already knew?)  You really need to be seeing a rheumatologist and consider going on biologics. Its not all gloom and doom!  Good luck!

Ok was a Physician Assistant and I have AS too....ok good idea getting MRI cause that give you good detail... pars defect at l5 is the first stage of “ spondylosis” which is part of this disease, that’s the last lumbar vertebrae before your pelvis. The inflammation of the SI joint is in the triangular bone the goes down to the tail bone. That’s a sliding joint and lots of pain associated with this area as it’s supposed to slip and now probably is stiff, bone erosions mean advanced inflammation. So your low back must hurt a lot....I’m 65 and just getting diagnosed with this same thing....yes get to a rheumatologist, Get labs like SedRate and CRP to track your inflammation, an go to the AS web site to learn about this condition. The meds can really help, and cause you are young, keep active!

 

Can I ask how long you had pain for/how quickly this come on? I too am being investigated for AS but am B27 negative and had no lab or x-ray signs. However have sore chest and lower back pain for the past six - 12 months. I always understood that that was too short a time for any changes or damage to be done to the spine.

However if you've only been in pain a short time (say under a year) it's interesting that there is already signs of inflammation and changes present on the MRI. This would show how important it is to not delay in getting treatment and I will take further steps to make this happen. 

 

In order to slow down the progression it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is prob the most important thing. Start yoga or Pilates and do it daily to keep the joints loose and flexible and to prevent fusion. Also it's very important to try to reduce inflammation. Many people avoid foods that feed inflammation. For me personally I avoid gluten, dairy and night shades as well as sugar, caffeine and red meat. Everyone is different though so it is a good idea to try an elimination diet and see if certain foods cause more pain. I felt a lot better within 3days of cutting gluten.

Also supplements are important. When you have an inflammatory condition it can cause nutrient deficiencies so checking vitamin counts and taking supplements that help lower inflammation is good. I take turmeric and pro-biotics for inflammation and I take omegas with vitamin D and magnesium oil to support the joints.

All of this can help the prognosis and slow down progression. If you are still having pain and not responding to these methods then your doctor may prescribe a TNF blocker and anti-inflammatories. My doctor was hesitant to start medication and wants to see how I am in a year but I don't want to take risks with this so I've changed my lifestyle and will go back to the specialist in 12months. Hopefully by then the inflammation will be more stable

If you are lactose intolerant then try goats milk or buffola mozzarella cheese. There are lots of alternatives to dairy.

No everyone with this is different. When caught early the prognosis can be good. My rheum was very confident that I won't fuse and won't be disabled. There is definitely hope so let go of the fear and use it as motivation to get better. It is also possible for it to go into remission for long periods of time. That is my goal.

There are FB groups that you can join. Lots of very positive people living successful lives with AS. Some run successful business, have careers, are raising a family or theres even some body builders. You will be okay ?

You have lots of time to come to terms with this and then to start fighting it.