What does my MRI mean?

Question

L4-5 demostrates a tiny left paracentral disc protrusion with minimal flattening of the left anterior aspect of the thecal sac. No canal stenosis noted. However, the traversing left L5 nerve root is slightly displaced posteriorly. The lateral recesses are maintained.

Answer 1

Did you ask your doctor?

Answer 2

Your MRI showed: a transitional vertebra at level L5 and an abnormality at L4-5. The MRI shows some pressure on the nerve roots --MRI Radiology report:
Lumbosacral spine MRI
- Normal alignment of the spine with normal vertebra body height.
- at the L4-5 level, moderate diffuse disc bulge was identified with anterior indentation of the thecal sac.
- no definite neural foraminal narrowing, though the spinal canal was somewhat narrowed by ligamentum flavum hypertrophy at this level, left greater than right.
- The remaining disc levels were unremarkable.
- The spinal cord ended normally at the level of L1.
Impression:
- Diffuse disc bulge with anterior indentation of the thecal sac and no definite neural foraminal narrowing. This was exacerbated by ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, left greater than right at this level.


Generally speaking, transitional vertebrae are asymptomatic. The disc bulge at L4-L5 and the other changes at that level are consistent with a degenerating disc and may cause pain. Usually, the pain can be best managed with a combination of appropriate spine physical therapy techniques, including gradual strengthening, along sometimes with medication and possibly spine injections. Surgery is generally not necessary nor does it usually yield good outcomes unless there is nerve root compression. Each case is individual, of course, and so your treatment may vary from this general approach


The study suggests multiple levels of disc degeneration, meaning the cushions between your lumbar vertebrae are gradually deteriorating and bulging centrally for the most part. If people have discs which bulge to the lateral side, left or right, they might compromise the neural foramen which is the hole through which the nerve runs as it begins it's course from the spine down the leg. Often these people have radiating pain, numbness or weakness in areas of one leg or the other. Central bulging may take longer to generate these type of symptoms, and therefore may be more subtle in its presentation. Yours are described as mild.


Pains if they occur might be from facet arthritis in the affected areas.. .These are the actual joints which join one vertebrae to the next below it. This can be a source of pain just like any other arthritic joint. Preferred management at his point would be non-operative including modalities to relax the muscles, lumbar exercise, abdominal toning and maintenance of good back posturing during daily activities. Recreational activities should generally favor unloaded forces to the lumbar discs such as swimming, recumbent bike and eliptical machine as opposed to running, jumping and twisting maneuvers.

Answer 3

Magnetic Resonance Imaging= MRI

Answer 4

Your doctor should have explained that to you. You have a little back damage.

Answer 5

It means you strained your back. No big whoop.