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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does My MRI And CT Scan Reports Indicate?

I got my MRi and CT Scan written radiologist report back from the imaging center. I can t get in to see the neurosurgeon for a couple of weeks. I would like to know what type of questions I should ask him. My MRI results read: *Mlld broad-based (MBB) disc bulge at L3-4 without canal stenosis with slight bulging into both neural foramen * MBB disc bulge and more focal small central/left paracentral disc protrusion L4-5 abuts both L5 nerve roots the lateral recesses, greater left. Minimal canal stenosis *MBB protrusion at L5-S1 abuts both S1 nerve roots in the lateral recesses and both existing L5 nerve root in the neural foramen. *Diffuse facet arthropathy and scattered neural foraminal encroachment as described above. The CT Scan report reads: Findings conclusive with recent MRI with the exception that at L5-S1 there is bilateral inferior neutral foraminal encroachment secondary to uncovertebral hypertrophy in addition to the generalized disc bulge. What does this mean and how can I best prepare for my appointment? I am in pain most of the time with shooting pains intermittently, numbness of left leg and foot most of the time with right foot numbness starting to occur and also dealing with significant weakening on my left side
posted on Sat, 5 Dec 2015
Twitter Wed, 16 Dec 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 16 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hello

MRI and CT findings may suggests degenerative changes in lumbar spine.
Degenerative changes are generally age related findings.It is due to chronic stress on annulus fibrosis.

There are diffuse facet (bony joints in between two vertebra)arthropathy.

At L3-4 level,there is mild broad based disc bulge without central canal stenosis.

At L4-5 level, there is a small central/left paracentral broad based mild disc bulge which is abuttting L5 nerve roots.

At L5-S1 level there is also mild disc bulge which is abutting S1 nerve roots.

Majority of degenerative disc disease patients are benefited by conservative treatment in the form of physiotherapy,analgesics and muscle relaxants.
Surgery is advised in non responding cases.
Physiotherapy helps in strengthening of paraspinal muscles and it prevents further changes.

Since you have mild findings,I expect that you will require physiotherapy only.
You need proper evaluation by a neurologist.

Get well soon.
Take Care
Dr.Indu Bhushan
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What Does My MRI And CT Scan Reports Indicate?

Hello MRI and CT findings may suggests degenerative changes in lumbar spine. Degenerative changes are generally age related findings.It is due to chronic stress on annulus fibrosis. There are diffuse facet (bony joints in between two vertebra)arthropathy. At L3-4 level,there is mild broad based disc bulge without central canal stenosis. At L4-5 level, there is a small central/left paracentral broad based mild disc bulge which is abuttting L5 nerve roots. At L5-S1 level there is also mild disc bulge which is abutting S1 nerve roots. Majority of degenerative disc disease patients are benefited by conservative treatment in the form of physiotherapy,analgesics and muscle relaxants. Surgery is advised in non responding cases. Physiotherapy helps in strengthening of paraspinal muscles and it prevents further changes. Since you have mild findings,I expect that you will require physiotherapy only. You need proper evaluation by a neurologist. Get well soon. Take Care Dr.Indu Bhushan