hematopoietic marrow signal

Hi,
To answer this question let me give you some background about the Hematopoietic stem cells. Stem cells are the basic cells from which all the differents cells and then organs of the body are formed e.g nerve cells, muscles, red blood cells, white blood cells and organs like liver, spleen etc. Stem cells are basically unprogrammed cells in the body and on signal can evolve into different organs and constituents of the body. There are different types of stem cells- embryonic, fetal, umblical and adult stem cells. The adult stem cells are basically found in the bone marrow of the spinal cord.

Earlier it was postulated that the nerve cells or neurons in the body are not regenerated when they die as time passes. But now the latest research is indicating that the stem cells can differentiate into nerve cells and regenerate them. In cases where the hematopoietic stem cells are decreased, there the nerve cells are not regenerated. Also the nerve cells or neurons slowly decrease with age as do the other cells of the body. In your case, due to decrease in the number of nerve cells and a non regeneration of cells you might be experiencing the numbness along your arms and legs, as the nerves supplying arms and legs originate from the spinal cord.

On the other hand, as you are overweight, there might be some early aging bony changes in the spinal cord. Due to these changes your nerves might be getting pressed. But these changes are usually picked up on the MRI scan.

I would advise you to take a good multivitamin with high dose of Vitamin B12. That is upposed to strengthen the nerves. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Taking these measures shopuld definitely help.

Please remember to accept the reply if you find it useful. A BONUS and a positive rating would be duly appreciated,
regards
Dr. Gupta

Yes, the MRI shows
1. Moderate multilevel spondylosis of the lumbar spine,
2. Congenitally short pedicles woth superimposed broad based disc bulges results in moderate central canal narrowing at L2-3 and mild central canal at L3-4.
3. There is moderate bilateral lateral recess narowing at L2-3
4. There is moderate left neutral foramiral narowing at L4-5 and moderate right and mild to moderate left neutral foraminal narowing at L5-S1

I am in the process of loosing weight. I have already lost 60 pounds through diet and exercise, and need to loose another 60. What does the future look like with these conditions?

Hi,
This makes the picture more clear. All the changes on the MRI show that the spinal cord foramina (bony tunnel through which the spinal cord passes) is getting compromisd at various levels. As a result nerves are getting compressed at various levels resulting in pain and numbness. The changes on your MRI donot seem very severe. You can improve your symptoms by taking following precautions-

• continue loosing weight
• specific exercises are recomended for the various levels of spine involved. You can contact a physiotherapist for proper guidance.
• Donot bend down from the waist
• Donot lift any weight
• Do regular walking. Donot overdo any exercise. Whenever you start feeling pain, take a rest
• Always get up from lying position by turning to the side
• If you have lot of pain, then take treatmet like Diathermy to decrease the inflammation of the nerves.
• Also can try alternative treatments like Acupressure from a chiriopacter. Regular acupressure is very helpful in treating Spodylosis (My mother had severe Spondylosis. She is almost without any symptoms after 2 months of regular Acupressure).

There is no need to worry. If you take proper precautions and treatment, the symptoms should improve in a couple of months. The key is to continue your exercises even after relief of symptoms to prevent recurrence.

Please remember to accept the reply if you find it useful. A BONUS and a positive rating would be duly appreciated,
regards
Dr. Gupta