Originally Posted by jeffsmart

What a blessing to find NeuroTalk today!

I have basically been healthy all my 50+ years, but I was diagnosed two months ago with L5 HNP, L4-L5 Lateral mass Congenital Fusion, as well as C2-3 Congenital Fusion, bilateral C5-6 Radiculopathy.

I had an MRI done last month on my cervical spine and my lumbar spine, and would be VERY GRATEFUL for someone to put what the report means in layman's terms. Concerned, but hoping for some encouragement.

Here are the MRI reports:

MRI #1: Lumbar Spine

Technique: Sagittal and axial imaging is performed utilizing T1, T2, inversion recovery pulse sequences.

Findings

*L1-2, L2-3 levels are normal.
*L3-4 segment demonstrates partial disc desiccation.
*L4-5 segment demonstrates disc desiccation and broad-based posterior annular bulge. There is also a T2 hyperintense zone along the posterior annulus consistent with annular fissure or tear. Prominent facets. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Mild central canal stenosis.
*L5-S1 segment demonstrates mild disc degeneration. Prominent facets. Ligament flavum hypertrophy. Mile central canal spinal stenosis.
*No focal disc herniation is seen.
*There is no spondylolisthesis.
*Region on conus medullaris is unremarkable.

Impression:
1. L4-5 disc bulge with posterior annular fissure or tear. Mild central canal spinal stenosis.
2. L5-S1 mild central canal spinal stenosis.
3. No focal disc herniation.

MRI #2: Cervical Spine

Technique: Sagittal and axial imaging is performed utilizing turbo spin-echo T1, turbo spin-echo T2, inversion recovery pulse sequences.

Findings

*Cervical vertebral body marrow signal is within normal limits.
*Multiple level disc desiccation. No disc herniation is identified however. There is no central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.
*Cervical cord demonstrates normal signal characteristics.
*The cervicomedullary junction is normal.

Impression: Disc desiccation. Exam is otherwise unremarkable.