Help reading my MRI
 

Can someone please tell me what this means; The L4-L5 level demonstrates normal disc contour and signal intensity.No extradural are seen The neural foramina are patent bilaterally. The L-4 L-5 level demonstrates norrowing of the disc and interspace.There are degenerative changes with loss of normal signal intensity from the disc annulus with obscuration of anterior epidural fat.The neural foaming remain patent. There is loss of normal signal intensity from the disc nucleus at L-3 L-4 also reflecting early degenerative change No significant extradural abnormalities are seen. The neural formina are patent. The L2L3 level demonstrates a mild 2mm Central disc protrusion with a corresponding extradural indentation on the anterior subarachnoid.L1L2 normal IMPRESSION: mild 2mmdisc protrusion/herniation L2-L3 Evidence of early degenerative disease L3 L4 and L5. I Have a lot of pain sitting down been off work for 8 months. I'am a Truck Driver 48 yrs. Thinking about putting in for SSDI Thank You For You'r Time GOD BLESS:):)

Just because the MRI mentions mild , doesn't always = mild pain..


Have you had any PT at all, or even expert chiropractic?

There are pain relieving therapies and possibly the herniation can be improved. posture, fitness, excercises.

Back pain
 

Sorry L5-S1 normal disc contour etc.. yes i have had PT chiro acupuncture even whent to a DO Very good shape played sports my whole life but also been working since 15 yrs old non stop also forgot to add this FINDINGS alignment is anatomic Height of vertebral bodies preserved. Mild L3 L4 and L4 L5 disc bulge due to degenerative change. L3L4 posterior annulus fibrosis calcifications no acute L- spain fractures seen thank you so much Jo*mar sorry so sloppy !st time on a forum who say's you can't teach an OLD Dog new tricks

sorry L5-S1 normal disc contour etc... Yes i have have had PT Chiro Acupuncture even whent to a D.O. I'am in very good shape don't drink don't smoke played sports my whole life but also been working non stop since 15yrs old also forgot to add FINDINGS:alignment is anatomic Height of vertebral bodies preserved Mild L3 L4 and L5 disc bulge due to degenerative change. L3L4 posterior annulus fibrosis calcifications no acute L=sprain fractures seen. Thank You so much Jo*mar sorry so sloppy !st time on forum

Overall the report doesn't necessarily explain your symptoms
 

The disc problems discussed are "mild" and consistent with degenerative disc disease---the fact that there was normal neural foramina (where the nerve roots exit) makes it unlikely that your pain is due to nerve compression---it is still "possible"

The extradural indentation suggests the disc is pushing into the spinal canal, but that low in the spine there should be enough room to let the nerves move "out of the way"--it would certainly be something to watch; however the muscels are more likely the source of the pain---and you best chance for ensuring things don't get worse---strengthening the correct back muscles will decrease the stress and spasm in the other muscles and helps improve alignment---it will decrease the chance of making the exisiting disc problem worse.


The good news is NO tumors, NO major damage---I would NOT let a neurosurgeon near my back based on this (although most good neurosurgeons will tell you the same)

Take care--I hope your pain improves

thank you so much for the information very useful