[amanda14384]

I recently had an Mri of my back done and would like to Beyer understand the results and my treatment options. The impression says :1. transitional vertebrae configuration at L5-S1 with a broad based disc buldge and possible disc protrusion. This is poorly visualized on the exam.2. L4-L5 disc bulging with right lateral inferior herniation and mild narrowing of the right lateral recess. 3. L3-L4 right lateral recess disc herniation with stenosis of the right lateral recess and right aspect of the canal. Please help me understand and suggest treatment

[Jomar]

Originally Posted by amanda14384

I recently had an Mri of my back done and would like to Beyer understand the results and my treatment options.

The impression says :
1. transitional vertebrae configuration at L5-S1 with a broad based disc buldge and possible disc protrusion. This is poorly visualized on the exam.
[Transitional vertebrae are abnormally formed vertebral bones that display the characteristics of two different types of vertebrae.]
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-tra...-vertebrae.htm

2. L4-L5 disc bulging with right lateral inferior herniation and mild narrowing of the right lateral recess.

3. L3-L4 right lateral recess disc herniation with stenosis of the right lateral recess and right aspect of the canal.

Please help me understand and suggest treatment

What are your symptoms relating to the MRI?

[MSSurface]

"This is poorly visualized on the exam."

This may suggest the images are of poor quality. Some imaging facilities use old MRI machines or they rush the exam to fit in more patients. This can result in crummy images.

This is a great New York Times article called "Good or Useless, Medical Scans Cost the Same" by Gina Kolata that describes this in more detail. You should check it out.