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Does The MRI Report, Showing Multiple Disc Bulges And Nerve Compression, Require Surgery Due To Ankle Pain And Walking Difficulty?
HI doctor, I just want to know whether the given MRI report of my husband need to do surgery. He is having too much pain on the ankle and difficulty in walking. His MRI impression is as follows. L4/L5 diffuse disc bulge with posterior annular fissure and broad based right paracentral disc extrusion indenting on ventral thecal sac causing obliteration of bilateral lateral recess(R L) with compression of bilateal traversing roots. Narrowing of bilateral neural foramen with co mpression of right existing nerve root. L5/S1 diffuse disc bulge indenting on ventral thecal sac and bilateral traversing roots. Narrowing of bilateral neural foramen with compression of existing nerve root. T6/7, T8/9, T9/10, C6/7- Mild diffuse disc bulge indenting on anterior subarachnoid space . C5/6- Diffuse disc bulge causing obliteration of anterior subarachnoid space indenting on spinal cord.
posted on
Sat, 27 Apr 2024
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 31 Jul 2025
Answered on
Sun, 3 Aug 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
The two segments (L4/L5 and L5/S1) are directly affecting the leg nerves, especially those supplying the buttock, thigh, calf, and foot. This is likely the cause of your husband's ankle pain and walking difficulty. The S1 nerve plays a big role in ankle movement and walking.
L5/S1 disc bulge that is compressing both sides’ traversing nerve roots is also a problem. Foraminal narrowing with compression of the existing nerve root is also making walking difficult and causing ankle pain. Get your husband examined and evaluated by a GP or orthopedist. Your husband will be given conservative treatment. along with support with physical therapy. Pain management will be done.
Let him be treated if physical therapy, medications, and rest do not improve his symptoms in 6–8 weeks. He may be recommended surgery by his treating doctor. Your husband's MRI suggests significant nerve compression at multiple levels, like in the L4/L5 disc, also C5/6 and T6–T10. However, regarding the cervical spine, if he doesn’t have arm/neck symptoms, these are likely secondary.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
The two segments (L4/L5 and L5/S1) are directly affecting the leg nerves, especially those supplying the buttock, thigh, calf, and foot. This is likely the cause of your husband's ankle pain and walking difficulty. The S1 nerve plays a big role in ankle movement and walking.
L5/S1 disc bulge that is compressing both sides’ traversing nerve roots is also a problem. Foraminal narrowing with compression of the existing nerve root is also making walking difficult and causing ankle pain. Get your husband examined and evaluated by a GP or orthopedist. Your husband will be given conservative treatment. along with support with physical therapy. Pain management will be done.
Let him be treated if physical therapy, medications, and rest do not improve his symptoms in 6–8 weeks. He may be recommended surgery by his treating doctor. Your husband's MRI suggests significant nerve compression at multiple levels, like in the L4/L5 disc, also C5/6 and T6–T10. However, regarding the cervical spine, if he doesn’t have arm/neck symptoms, these are likely secondary.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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