Mri results
 

i don't know if this is where i need to post this. I need help understanding my results in lamens terms.

~Dorsal disk bulge C5-6 minimal disk compression of thesal sac
~Shallow central and rightward eccentric bulge C5-6
~Moderate L4-5 disk bulge producing moderate left foraminal narrowing
~Broad based dorsal disk bulge at L4-5 asymmetrically greater left foraminal aspect resulting in mild left neural foraminal narrowing
~L2-3 show shallow disk bulge centrally
~L3-4 shallow disk bulge and annular tear may contribute to discogenic pain


EMG

acute on chronic S1 radiculopathy

acute right upper extremity showed findings consistent with acute right C5-6 radiculopathy


thank you for your help

I don't know much about this except having a horrible back and neck. You should make sure you get a copy of the report and films. You have a lot of bulging disks but it does not say anything about bone spurs and the disks degenerating. I have 3 disks in my back that have bulged or herniated and deal with back pain all the time. I have had pain down my legs a couple times and have gotten help thru PT. See someone and then work on the back exercises they recommend to strengthen your back. Good Luck

Result from an MRI or EMG need to be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. The beauty and danger of using internet information, is that not everything you read is true or pertinent to your situation. Sometimes, too much info can be worrisome or misleading. But, having some baseline information in preparing to see your doctor can help you understand which questions you need to ask.

It's always good to write questions down before you go see your doctor. I think it is also helpful to have significant other present for MD visits because two people hearing the info makes it easier to process/remember.

However, the information that follows is readily available and true to the best of my knowledge:


There are seven "C" cervical vertebrae, Twelve "T" thoracic vertebrae, Five "L" lumbar vertebrae, and fused vertebrae that make up the "S" sacrum.

Discs are labeled by the vertebrae they are between.

Depending on age, most people will display minimal bulges of their disc on MRI/CAT and sometimes x-ray. Most people do not experience any symptoms and therefore the "wear and tear" of life on the discs is not really problematic.

The radiologist notes what he reviews on the MRI anything he/she sees that does not conform to normal human anatomy--although some things are non-consequential, and not relevant to age. However, when put together with a patient symptoms, a diagnosis is projected… although not always conclusive.

Dorsal means toward the patient back, so the c5-6 bulge is causing minimal (which is a relative term) on the sac that houses the spinal cord. Also, a bulge on the right side is present.

L4-5 disc bulge is decreasing the space of the opening between those vertebrae toward the back but more on the L side. The foramina of each vertebrae connect with the one above/below forming an archway for the nerve root to enter the body. When a disc takes up the space abnormally, it may not allow enough room for the nerve root to exit and move properly.

L2-3 has a small disk bulge more in the middle (but it does not indicate the direction, so usually toward the back is implied)

L3-4 disc bulge-- Discs are essentially "the jelly doughnut" of the spine so that if the outer "crust" if you will, gets a crack, it is said to have an annular tear. If torn, the inside pressure of the disc can be disrupted and the "jelly" like substance does not stay centrally located. Thus the actual disc, hurts.

Your EMG confirms the MRI and the two most problematic areas. Radiculopathy is the term used for radiation of nerve symptoms beyond the spine. With radiculopathy, often symptoms are felt in the arm or leg on the effected side.

Hope this information helps to get you started but follow-up with your doctor and explore options for treatment and rehabiliation.