HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does My Lower Back X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 6 Sep 2014

Question: I just had a lower back x-ray. Here are the doctor's notes. I'm not sure what it all means and could it bring on the sciatic pain I've been having?
There is severe disc disease at L5-S1 with almost complete
obliteration of the disc space and a vacuum disc phenomenon. A small
posterior osteophyte at this level as well. Severe disc disease at
L5-S1.

Moderate to severe disc disease at L4-L5 with significant narrowing,
vacuum disc phenomenon, and very slight retrolisthesis of 4 on 5.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Degeneratve disc disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.Ths vaccum phenomenon is a misnomer as air is present in the disc space.This osteophyte and other degenerative changes may give rise to symptoms like sciatica pain along with numbness,tingling sensation and muscle weakness.
Hope this helps.
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar