1. The L5 posterior elements are dysplastic, with left spina bifida defect, and ununited posterior spinous process.

2. Mild lumbar levoconvex scoliosis is present.

3. Degenerative discogentic spondylosis is evident at each level, especially L2-L3. Small chronic Schmorl's node endplate defects are seen at each level, and mild Modic type II discogenic endplate changes are present at L5-S1.
4. Each lumbar disc is desiccated and reduced in height, excluding L1-L2.

5. L2-L3: Focal 2.2 mm left posterolateral disc protrusion causes mild left neural foraminal encroachment.

6. L3-L4: Generalized 1.6 mm concentric posterior annual disc bulge deforms the ventral thecal sac. Facet arthrosis and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy contribute to mild bilateral foraminal narrowing.

7. L4-L5: Focal 3.8 mm left paracentral posterior inferior disc extrusion narrows the left lateral recess, impinging upon the decending left L5 nerve root. Disc material extends 2.2 mm caudally. 3.3 mm contralateral right foraminal disc protrusion is evident. Facet arthrowis contributes to bilateral foraminal narrowing, moderate to severe right, moderate left. There is impingement upon the exiting right L4 nerve root.

8. L5-S1: Broad-based 3.8 mm left posterolateral foraminal disc protrusion narrows the left lateral recess. Facet arthrosis contributes to moderate left foraminal narrowing. The disc protrusion impinges upon the left S1 nerve root which is displace posteriorly.

and that's the first part there is more...what does this mean?

PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND

Hi Pattid,
This MRI has a lot to digest. I am not the best at this. The woman who is, is out getting treatment herself. My best advise would be to start looking up each word in each sentence, digesting each sentence separately. The more you know the language the better it will be when treatment options are discussed with you. You want to be educated so that you will understand everything. Make sure you get a second opinion no matter what is talked about with you and your neurologist.
I can help you break down some of these points in your MRI. Most noticeable are the Vertebra that impinge on the nerve root. This is the disc pressing on the nerve, that hurts, no question about it. You have several that are in this condition. Words that I know most about are absent. Usually clue words are given, as in "Mild", "Moderate" or " severe" . That is a big indicator on where you are in terms of a surgical solution. The "severe" gets attention of course first. You also have some degenerative changes. Some of these, not all, comes with aging. Let me know if you want me to start helping you with looking these up. I google up each term separately, keeping a book of kind.
Don't get overwhelmed, even though much is presented to you. Take one step at a time with this process.
How do you like your physician? How long have you had this condition and pain? Have you had any kind of conservative treatment? Keep in touch. ginnie

#8 for example says "moderate" that is the key word you look for. I will re-read this several times. ginnie

I bolded some of the main terms that so you can learn more about them.

Our sticky threads have info to help learn -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread115890.html

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread171.html