First of all...

What is the difference btwn Disc bulging and disc herniation? Now I need it in easy laymans terms as my brain doesnt comprehend complicated stuff. lol

Now here are what my MRI's said.. I had MRI's done on my cervical, thoracic and lumbar. These were done in a "Standing/sitting" MRI

Cervical: Findings
The C2-3 disc demonstrates mild central disc bulging.

The C3-4 - normal

The C4-5 & C5-6 discs demonstrates mild central disc bulging

The discs from C6 to T1 are normal

The thecal sac shows no other intradural or extradural abnormalities. There is no evidence of central canal stenosis.

The cervical spinal cord is normal in appearance. There is no suggestion of myelopathy.

Impression: MRI of the cervical spine demonstrates some DDD with no evidence of disc herniation or myelopathy.

Thoracic: Findings-
Minimal intervertebral disc bulging is demonstrated from C5-L1. There is no evidence of disc herniation.

The thecal sac shows no other intradural or extradural abnormalities. There is no evidence of central canal stenosis.

..... etc.....

IMPRESSION: MRI of thoracic spine demonstrates mild to moderate DDD with no evidence of disc herniation of myelopathy.

Lumbar: Findings-
There is mild dextroscoliosis of the lower lumbar spine.

The T10-11 disc are normal

The T11-12 disc demonstrates minimal broad based disc bulging.

The T12 to L4 are normal

The L4-L5 disc demonstrates mild decrease in height and signal intensity with minimal broad based disc bulging.

The L5-S1 disc demonstrates mild decrease in signal intensity with mild broad based disc bulging. Bilateral spondylolysis is demonstrated with grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Moderate bilateral foraminal stenotic changes are demonstrated.

The thecal sac shows no other intradural or extradural abnormalities. There is no evidence of central canal stenosis. The conus medullaris is normal. Bony structure shows no evidence of fracture or contusion. No marrow replacement process is seen. No paraspirous abnormalities are demonstrated.

IMPRESSSION:
Bilateral spondylolysis with grade 1 spondylolsthesis and moderate bilateral neural foraminal stenoses are demonstrated at L5-S1.


I know I've been told I have Spina Bifida Occulta in my lower back AND in my cervical. I know the cervical is rare. Its because of my rare disease (BCCNS - Gorlin Syndrome). Is any of this technical terms stand for the that?

When I saw my back surgeon last week he was telling me that my nerve root on my L4-L5 was compressed and that was causing my drop foot and that by doing surgery to release it could help my foot. He says I will eventually need surgery tho he would have to see if my disc was any good as he says it doesnt look too good on the MRI. I'm NOT rushing into surgery. I wear AFO braces on my legs/feet to help me walk and to keep my feet up (to prevent the drop foot) so Im not worried about the drop foot. lol Right now Im dealing with sharp pains shooting across my right rear "back hip" area. Especially when I make certain movements.. Is that the back like the same L5 area? or my hip? I've had my TENS unit on it cranked up HIGH to divert the pain.

ANYWAY.. thanks for any help interpretting these for me...
Gina Marie