Originally Posted by Nacho34

I just had an MRI done yesterday nearly two years after my discectomy operation on l5/s1..... Been dealing with off and on pain since then but have muscled through it. No doc visits or narcotics prescribed but I finally had enough and went in. The doc was concerned about some results of the pin prick test so he had an MRI done and I'd like to know what it all means.... Below is the report.... If anyone can translate to normal people speak I'd love you forever. Also, do you think this will mean yet another surgery to fix this mess? TIA.

L3-4: interval development of a broad based disc protrusion producing thecal sac effacement greater to the left of midline.
This is a disc herniation that goes into the cord area but is not touching the cord it is more to the left than to the center, but doesnt mention any foraminal narrowing. It also doesn't say how far it is extruded but from this I would deem it mild at worst.

L4-5: some loss in disc signal intensity. Some generalized bulging of the disc is greater to left producing mild diffuse thecal sac effacement.
Pretty much the same, probably a little less
L5-s1: some disc signal changes anterolateral to the thecal sac on the left are present and abut the traversing left s1 root and also abut the anterolateral aspect of the thecal sac on the left. Could be fibrosis or some extruded disc material....
This is your culprit! The extrusion is touching the transversing nerve root to the left you should be experiencing more left than right pain, but the transversing goes inbetween left and right hence the name transversing. could be bilateral.
Development of a schmorl's node involving the inferior end plate if l5 anteriorly

Thoughts new friends??