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What Does This MRI Report Indicate?
My MRI of the lumbar area showed 2 disc bulges. One between the L4-L5 and another between the L5 and S1. Also mentioned was disc desiccation from the T12-L4 levels. I don t know what this means. ALso mentioned was mild facet arthrosis from the L4-S1. What does this mean? I am 30 years old female. THanks.
Wed, 11 Sep 2019
Hello,
The radiologist's interpretation is that your spine is showing some minimal initial signs of an osteoarthritic process.
Nothing to worry about because actually, disc bulges can be found in up to 40% of MRI's of spines for which NO COMPLAINTS at all are present.
I'm assuming you got this scan because you have some back pain. Disc bulges can possibly contribute to pain symptoms but it depends on what those symptoms are and what the neurological exam shows.
DESSICATION simply refers to a "drying out effect" which will happen as you get into your 30's, 40's and beyond.
So again, normal process of aging on the spinal column and its components.
Facet arthrosis is another way of saying that you have a little "wear and tear" on the connections between the vertebral bodies of L4, L5, and S1.
Again, mildly arthritic types of changes. This MRI does not demonstrate anything to worry about.
With this type of picture I would likely recommend back exercises to strengthen muscle columns, encourage stretching movements (yoga, ROMWOD's, static stretching), and I wouldn't take anything more than an OCCASIONAL Tylenol for pain after a workout or other physical labor if the back is hurting.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
The radiologist's interpretation is that your spine is showing some minimal initial signs of an osteoarthritic process.
Nothing to worry about because actually, disc bulges can be found in up to 40% of MRI's of spines for which NO COMPLAINTS at all are present.
I'm assuming you got this scan because you have some back pain. Disc bulges can possibly contribute to pain symptoms but it depends on what those symptoms are and what the neurological exam shows.
DESSICATION simply refers to a "drying out effect" which will happen as you get into your 30's, 40's and beyond.
So again, normal process of aging on the spinal column and its components.
Facet arthrosis is another way of saying that you have a little "wear and tear" on the connections between the vertebral bodies of L4, L5, and S1.
Again, mildly arthritic types of changes. This MRI does not demonstrate anything to worry about.
With this type of picture I would likely recommend back exercises to strengthen muscle columns, encourage stretching movements (yoga, ROMWOD's, static stretching), and I wouldn't take anything more than an OCCASIONAL Tylenol for pain after a workout or other physical labor if the back is hurting.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
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