HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Increased Curvature In Lower Spine, Disk Bulge Seen, Degenerative Disk Disease With Tear . What Does MRI Report Mean?

my MRI said I have increased curvature in the lower lumbar spine w/increased axial loading on L4-5 facet joints w/degenerative changes. Mild braod-based disk bulge is seen at L4-5 w/compromise of bilateral descending L5 nerve roots. Degenerative disk disease w/posterocentral subannular tear is seen possible compromise of the descending S1 nerve roots. Facet joint effusion is seen on the left side at L4-5 level. What does this mean in layman s terms?
Fri, 29 Jun 2012
Report Abuse
Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine ,  's  Response
Overall, it means you have some degenerative changes in your lumbar spine (lower back bones). The main thing is whether you have any 'radicular pain' ie pain which is down either one or both sides of the leg in a specific pattern which would mean the nerve root 'compromise' listed above may be significant. You need to be checked out by a proper spinal surgeon as not all leg pain are true radicular pain and may just be referred pain (ie your back is painful and your brain thinks it is also coming from your leg but there is no nerve root involvement). After such proper examination and along with how you are coping with things, your surgeon can advise you if further treatment is required. I suspect from reading above report that the disk bulges are not very significant.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Lumbar vertebrae


Loading Online Doctors....
Increased Curvature In Lower Spine, Disk Bulge Seen, Degenerative Disk Disease With Tear . What Does MRI Report Mean?

Overall, it means you have some degenerative changes in your lumbar spine (lower back bones). The main thing is whether you have any radicular pain ie pain which is down either one or both sides of the leg in a specific pattern which would mean the nerve root compromise listed above may be significant. You need to be checked out by a proper spinal surgeon as not all leg pain are true radicular pain and may just be referred pain (ie your back is painful and your brain thinks it is also coming from your leg but there is no nerve root involvement). After such proper examination and along with how you are coping with things, your surgeon can advise you if further treatment is required. I suspect from reading above report that the disk bulges are not very significant.