What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 27 Sep 2017

Question: Hi could you go over my MRI Report and suggest what extent of damage is done to my back.
The nerve compression / foraminal narrowing, is it dangerous and is it an emergency situation
Does this condition ever heal?
Is there a difference between disc bulge and disc slip / disc herniation?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Visit to a neurologist for examination

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and reports and understand your concern.
There is a disc bulging at lumbar 4-5 level, which means the disc material has moved into the spinal canal area.
The narrowing of nerve exit area called as foraminal narrowing may cause symptoms of back pain and radiating pain in lower limbs.
Disc bulge and protrusion are used for same thing but extent of displacement of disc differs.
At present, there is no serious issues of concern.
Consult a neurologist for symptoms faced.
Physiotherapy and postural care is needed if no symptoms exists.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (14 hours later)

Hello doctor, thanks for your reply.

I have following queries/additional info:

1. I have had feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, urine dribbling for almost 4 weeks. I am getting an ultrasound done tomorrow. Seeing this in light of MRI, do you feel it is related. I believe that this might be due to slip disc at L4-5 as found in MRI.
2. For symptioms I have been experiencing lower back pain for abt 2 mnths ..It was sharp at first and now is mild but consistent.
3. I am starting physiotherapy soon.
4. As per my MRI, is it causing any emergency surgery (like cauda equina syndrome etc.).
5. What can I do to prevent further damage. I have a sitting job mon-fri and am engaged in a physical job on weekend which requires standing and some lifting

Pranay

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 minute later)

Is it possible for you to go through MRI Images? I would be grateful if you could.
I am currently in Canada, seeing a neurologist has long wait times.

Pranay

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can upload reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
Yes, you can upload link of images for evaluation.
The back pain and radiating pain is most likely due to nerve root compression.
The bladder symptoms are less likely to be due to disc ( images needs to be seen).
The disc prolapse is not severe enough to cause cauda equina or canal stenosis requiring surgery.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 days later)

Hi doctor have you reviewed my reports?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get ultrasound abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your uploaded emailed pdf of images.
There seems no significant compression of cord or nerve roots.
Mild disc bulge is seen at L4-5 level.
The urinary symptoms doesn't seems to be related to disc and ultrasound is required.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad