need help with mri results

[ayla72]

hello everyone my name is Ayla and I just got my mri results I don't think their that bad but I sure could use some help,  It says Impression: Tiny disc protrusion aat the L5-S1 level without evidence of significant spinal stenosis. 2. Mild facet joint hypertrophic changes at the L4-L5 levels can some one please help me make some sense of this report.  at the bottom it says at the L5-S1 level, there is a posterior annular bulge and tiny 3mm posterior disc protrusion with a high-intensity zone however no significant stenosis of the spinal canal or nerve root foramen is seen.  There is mild facet joint hypertrophic changes.  PLEASE HELP!

[ayla72]

This is actually my second mri the first impression: Posterior central annular tear at L5-S1 associated with mild, nonfocal annular bulging, without evidence of neural compromise.  The rest of the exam is unremarkable.
I thnk you very much for helping me understand this all I know is my back hurts all the time and in the morning when I first get up it hurts real bad to stand on my feet and legs after being up a little while it seems to ease up at least my feet and legs the doctor can not get any reflex out of my left ankle any advice would be greatly appreciated

[kittyluv1]

Take a deep breath --- the results of your MRI are showing some mild degenerative disc changes which are a normal process of the wear and tear on our spines as we age.
The tiny disc protrusion at the L5-S1 level indicates that the intervertebral disc (acts as a cushion between the vertebrae) has poked out of the annular covering but is not causing any significant spinal stenosis.  That means that your spinal canal is not compromised and the spinal cord is functioning without problems.
The mild facet hypertrophy means that the facet joints (hinges at the back of the spinal column) are showing some increase in size due to bony overgrowth.  This occurs to try and make the bony joint stronger when degenerative changes (arthritic changes) are present.
There is no evidence of stenosis of the spinal canal at the L4-L5 level either.
There is an annular bulge and a tiny 3mm disc protrusion at L5-S1, but there is no evidence of compromise of the spinal canal or the nerve root foramen (opening through which the nerve roots travel).
Depending on your symptoms, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy may be able to reduce any significant discomfort you are experiencing.
None of these findings are severe enough to increase your anxiety.  Discuss the treatment options with your doctor and hopefully you will find resolution soon.
Best wishes ----