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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Minor Degeneration With Annular Tears On MRI Indicate?

Hi. Mri scan says minor degeneration L4/5 and L5/S1 DISCS WITH SMALL annualar tears to the right posterlaterally. The tear at L5 is slightly larger and associated with a small annular bulge contacting but not compressing exiting nerve at L5 nerve root. Is this serious as I am in constant pain.
Fri, 22 Aug 2014
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Radiologist 's  Response
Hello
Thanks for writing to us

According to report,you are suffering from mild degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine.
Degenerative changes occurs in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis.

1.There are minor degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1 level in the form of annular tear in posterolateral region.

2.At L5-S 1 level there is larger annular tear associated with a small disc bulge and it is in contact but not compressing exiting nerve at L5 level.
This is causing your symptoms.

Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy,so physiotherapy should be tried first.
Surgery should be the last option.
There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief.

Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurologist.

Get well soon.
Take Care
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What Does Minor Degeneration With Annular Tears On MRI Indicate?

Hello Thanks for writing to us According to report,you are suffering from mild degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine. Degenerative changes occurs in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis. 1.There are minor degenerative changes at L4-5 and L5-S1 level in the form of annular tear in posterolateral region. 2.At L5-S 1 level there is larger annular tear associated with a small disc bulge and it is in contact but not compressing exiting nerve at L5 level. This is causing your symptoms. Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy,so physiotherapy should be tried first. Surgery should be the last option. There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief. Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurologist. Get well soon. Take Care