Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Does The Mri Report Indicate?
following acute low back pain radiating to left leg i had an mri the report said "at the L4/5 level the disc is degenerate. there is a large prosterior protusion with considerable identation of theca it extends for 6 or 7mm beyond the prosterior margin of the vertebrae. The disc material also extends inferiorly fo 5mm but without sequestration. There is significant indentation of anterior theca and also at least moderate narrowing of both lateral recesses, slightly more marked on the left. there is impingment on both L5 nerve roots. Exit shows mild narrowing but without definite compromise.Significant disc lesion at the L4/5 level"What does all this mean? What should I do?
Thu, 12 Jun 2014
Hi,
Thanks for choosing healthcaremagic.
In the spine we have vertebrae in between interspersed with the intervertebral discs. There is a spinal cord running just behind the vertebrae and at each vertebra level the spinal cord gives rise to 2 (Left & Right) spinal nerves which come out at that level. The intervertebral discs due to aging bulge posteriorly and compress the nerves which come out causing back pain.
In your case, you have disc bulge between the L4 and L5 vertebrae which is causing compression of the L5 nerve roots on both sides. This should be causing you pain in the back and tingling sensations in your legs as well. Depending on the grade and the severity of your symptoms you can either try to manage it conservatively using physiotherapy or undergo a surgery to remove the extruded disc. Most likely, from your report it appears that the grade is severe and you might require to do a surgery for removal of the extruded disc.
Hope it sorts your problem and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Pankaj Nagori
Specialist Radiologist
Thanks for choosing healthcaremagic.
In the spine we have vertebrae in between interspersed with the intervertebral discs. There is a spinal cord running just behind the vertebrae and at each vertebra level the spinal cord gives rise to 2 (Left & Right) spinal nerves which come out at that level. The intervertebral discs due to aging bulge posteriorly and compress the nerves which come out causing back pain.
In your case, you have disc bulge between the L4 and L5 vertebrae which is causing compression of the L5 nerve roots on both sides. This should be causing you pain in the back and tingling sensations in your legs as well. Depending on the grade and the severity of your symptoms you can either try to manage it conservatively using physiotherapy or undergo a surgery to remove the extruded disc. Most likely, from your report it appears that the grade is severe and you might require to do a surgery for removal of the extruded disc.
Hope it sorts your problem and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Pankaj Nagori
Specialist Radiologist
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Magnetic resonance imaging
Loading Online Doctors....