Increased Curvature In Lower Spine, Disk Bulge Seen, Degenerative Disk Disease With Tear . What Does MRI Report Mean?
my MRI said I have increased curvature in the lower lumbar spine w/increased axial loading on L4-5 facet joints w/degenerative changes. Mild braod-based disk bulge is seen at L4-5 w/compromise of bilateral descending L5 nerve roots. Degenerative disk disease w/posterocentral subannular tear is seen possible compromise of the descending S1 nerve roots. Facet joint effusion is seen on the left side at L4-5 level. What does this mean in layman s terms?
Overall, it means you have some degenerative changes in your lumbar spine (lower back bones). The main thing is whether you have any 'radicular pain' ie pain which is down either one or both sides of the leg in a specific pattern which would mean the nerve root 'compromise' listed above may be significant. You need to be checked out by a proper spinal surgeon as not all leg pain are true radicular pain and may just be referred pain (ie your back is painful and your brain thinks it is also coming from your leg but there is no nerve root involvement). After such proper examination and along with how you are coping with things, your surgeon can advise you if further treatment is required. I suspect from reading above report that the disk bulges are not very significant.
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Increased Curvature In Lower Spine, Disk Bulge Seen, Degenerative Disk Disease With Tear . What Does MRI Report Mean?
Overall, it means you have some degenerative changes in your lumbar spine (lower back bones). The main thing is whether you have any radicular pain ie pain which is down either one or both sides of the leg in a specific pattern which would mean the nerve root compromise listed above may be significant. You need to be checked out by a proper spinal surgeon as not all leg pain are true radicular pain and may just be referred pain (ie your back is painful and your brain thinks it is also coming from your leg but there is no nerve root involvement). After such proper examination and along with how you are coping with things, your surgeon can advise you if further treatment is required. I suspect from reading above report that the disk bulges are not very significant.