MRI results..please help!

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hopeintn

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Hi there, I had back surgery on the L4-L5 (discectomy) in 2000. I just had an MRI done Saturday due to constant pain in my low back after 7 years.

These are my results & I am really kinda scared, just hoping someone here might be able to help me understand what this means as I don't go back to the dr until Friday.

This is copied exactly from the MRI report:

There is narrowing and decreased signal within the L4-L5 interspace, suggesting degenerative disc disease. Vertebral bodies are normal in alignment. There appears to be a benign hemangioma in L2. Distal cord and bone marrow are otherwise normal in signal. Axial images show a mild central disc protrusion at the L5-S1 level and a mild diffuse disc bulge at L4-L5 with no significant encroachment on the thecal sac. Remaining levels are unremarkeable.

I hope someone can translate this for me as I am a little scared. THanks!!
 
Here's my take on it all for you:

You have a lesion in the L2 disc. (These are usually not considered a big deal and most often go away by themselves).

L4-L5 is stating you have DDD at that level (which you already knew). It looks as though you have re-herniated at this level. Considered Mild.

L5-S1, has a disc bulge. Considered Mild.

Does not look like you have any noted nerve pressing or impingement.

The doctor will probably tell you that your issues are not all that significant and will more likely recommend PT and medication and see how well you respond.

Hope this helps.
 
do you know for sure whether that hemangioma is actually IN the bone(vertebrae) or within the actual cord?its kinda vague with the report the way it is actually written.this finding and depending upon whether it is in the vertebrae or the cord could be a significant issue,cord wise.vertebrae,not so much.do you have your hard films in your possession?if so,just take a good look at the one that shows the side full view of the whole spinal cord area and just see if there is ANYTHING actually IN the cord that shows up,if there is nothing there but cord tissue alone,then that angioma is in the bone.if the angioma is actually within the cord,it would show up on the MRI.you just need to find out where the little sucker is actually located.it's just having one actually IN the cord is a totally different story than one in the vertebrae,thats all.location in this particular instance DOES matter.please let me know what you see or find out for certain.Marcia
 
Hi, I can't offer you much in the help of deciphering your MRI but wanted to let you know that I care and pray that your pain will calm down soon.
 
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