MRI Results, need help in understanding
 

Hi,

I've been experiencing severe numbness in my left leg with lower back pain and just got back the results from the MRI. The doctor's office only said I have bulging discs and to get PT. I tried Googling some of the result terms and ended up here. :)

I stopped by the office today, signed for the report, and here's what is says:

"At L3-L4, there is a broad-based annular bulge without central canal stenosis. There is mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing with ligamentous hypertrophy noted.

At L4-L5, there is a broad-based posterior disc bulge. There is mild central canal stenosis in conjunction with facet hypertrophy and ligamentous laxity. There is NO appreciable neural foraminal narrowing.

At L5-S1, there is a broad-based posterior disc bulge. There is NO appreciable central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

Impression: Mild degenerative changes of the lumbar spine as described."

Is it possible for someone to explain what this means?

Thank you!

Hi - Maybe I can help a little.

At L3-4, you have a disc bulge, but the spinal canal is NOT narrowed because of it. You have neural foraminal narrowing -- the neural foramen is the hole that the nerves pass thru to the spinal cord. That is narrowing.

At L4-5 you have a disc bulge, and the central spinal canal is mildly narrowed. Facet hypertrophy is an overgrowth of bone from the facets -- the facets are the "winglike" structures on each side of the spine. You can see them when you hunch over -- they kind of stick out. ;)

At L5-S1 you have only a disc bulge.

You have "degenerative disc disease" which is a drying out of the discs, which tends to flatten them and then they bulge & herniate. EVERYONE gets this, which happens as we age, but not everyone has pain with it. Some of us get DDD earlier than others too.

Hope I helped a little! Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee