Explanation of lumbar spine MRI w/o contrast !!!

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Can anyone explain to me what is the problem with my low back ?
Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.
My MRI report id as follows:

" CLINICAL INDICATION: Low back pain and lower extremity radiculopathy.

MRI of the lurabar spine w/o contrast.

TECHNIQUE: Multiplanar MRI was performed with sagittal and axial T1 and T2-weighted sequenses.

FINDINGS: The conus medullaris is normal in appearance, terminating at the T12-L1 disc level. The visualized distal thoracic cord is unremarkable.

The T12-L1 disc level is within normal limits.

At L1-L2, there is mild disc desiccation. There is no evidance of disc herniation, cetnral canal or foraminal stenosis.

At L2-L3 , there is mild disc desiccation and a mild disc bulge. There is no evidance of central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

At L3-L4, there is disc desiccation and a mild disc bulge, with superimposed small focal left foraminal disc protrusion/herniation that mildly encroaches upon the neural foramen, but nerve root impingement. There are early facet degenerative changes. The central canal and right neural foramen are within normal limits. There is minimal, approximately 1-2 mm retrolisthesis of L3 on L4.

At L4-L5, there are mild degenerative disc changes, characterized be disc desiccation and very mild loss of disc height. There is a circumferential disc bulge, with a superimposed central disc protrusion/herniation, with a minimal subligamentous extruded component that impinges upon the anterior thecal sac and which, in corabination with facet arthrosis with hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, result in moderate central canal stenosis. The circumferential disc bulge extenRAB into both neural foramina. There is moderate right and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

At L5-S1, there is disc desication, a mild disc bulge and facet degenerative changes. There is no evidence of central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

The visualized thoracolurabar vertrbrae appear intact and demonstrate normal marrow signal.

IMPRESSION:

1. L4-L5 circumferential disc bulge and superimposed central disc protrusion/herniation with a very small subligamentous extruded component that impinges upon the anterioir thecal sac and which, in corabination with facet arthrosis and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, result in moderate central canal stenosis. There is moderate right and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

2. L3-L4 mild disc bulge and superimposed focal left foraminal disc protrusion/herniation that mildly encroaches upon the left neural foramen, but without nerve root impingement. There are early facet degenerative changes. The central canal and right neural foramen are within normal limits.

3. L2-L3 and L5-S1 mild disc bulge. "


Thank you so much for your response in advance. Thanks for any prognosis.
 
Basically, the MRI says that there are degenerative problems with your lowest 4 discs and surrounding joints/tissues (isn't it fun to get older?). Any one of those levels could be causing you great pain and sciatica down your legs.

It looks like L4/L5 is the worst of the problems. I would suggest looking at a dermatome chart available on many web sites that show where the pain goes down the leg and what disc level would cause that problem. Where does your pain go down your leg? Depending on where your pain is, surgery may be necessary at one or more levels. Your MRI does mention narrowing (stenosis) at several levels, and laminectomies are often performed to widen the canals and spaces in your spine to give your nerve roots more room.

Have you seen a spine surgeon yet? If not, I would suggest getting in to see one ASAP. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
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