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How serious is my MRI reading

Hello I was wondering if someone can help me understand the severity of my spinal MRI's.  I had an MRI of both my lumbar and thoratic spine. I have lower and mid back pain. I have pain in both legs. Water retention, and radiating pain to my left side.  Feeling like I'm being "hooked".  It hurts to take a deep breath.  Does this report explain all of that? How many ruptured disc do I have? Is this very serious?  Here is what the report read:
There is normal verebral body height seen throughout the lumbar spine.  There is normal alignment, with no evidence of subluxation.  There is loss of intervertebral disc T2 signal identified at L4-L5 and L5-S1.  There is no loss of intervertebral disc height at L4-L5.  Abnormal signal is identified along the superior endplate of L5, consistent with Schmorl's node.
At the T12-L1 level there is a central disc protusion which measures 6mm in lateral dimension, 4 mm in AP dimension and 6 mm in craniocaudal dimension.  There is no significant canal or neuroforaminal stenosis from this lesion.
At the L1-L2, L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels, there is no significant disc protrusion, canal stenosis or neuroforaminal encroachment.
At the L4-L5 level, there is a diffuse disc bulge with a central disc extrusion.  This measures 17mm in lateral dimension, 16 mm in craniocaudal dimension and 9 mm in AP dimension.  This causes severe canal stenosis, with the canal measuring 6 mm.  There is mild right neuroforaminal stenosis also evident.
At the L5-S1 level, there is no significant canal stenosis, neuroforaminal encroachment from a mild diffuse disc bulge.
There is a normal vertebral body height and alignment seen throughout the thoracic spine.  there is no abnormal signal identified within the cord. No abnormal signal is identified within the bone marrow. No significant loss of T2 signal is identified within the intraverebral disc space.
There is redemonstration of a diffuse disc bulge identified at T7-T8.  This causes borderline canal stenosis, with the canal measuring approximately 11 mm, This is stable compared to the prior examination.  There is mild, diffuse disc bulge at T6-T7, with no significant canal stenosis.  Mild disc bulge is identified at T11-T12 and T12-L1.  
Impressions:
Stable appearance to the diffuse is disc bulge identified at T7-T8, with a borderline canal stenosis, with the canal measuring 11 mm.
Minimal diffuse disc bulges are identified at T6-T7 and T10-T11.  there is no canal stenosis associated with these lesions.
Disc protrusion identifed at T12-L1 without significant canal stenosis.
Large disc extrusion identified at L4-L5, causing severe canal stenosis.
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Avatar universal
Posterior T11-12 disc bulge.  Borderline T11-12 facet joint effusions. Moderate L1-L2 disc degeneration.  Mild posterior disc bulging.  Small bilateral facet effusions suspected. Minimal L2-3 disc degeneration; minimal posterior disc bulging and mild hypertrophic facet arthrosis; mild central and bilateral subarticular zone spinal stenosis and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.  Small left facet effusion. Mild L3-4 disc degeneration; broad-based posterior disc bulge and moderate hypertrophic facet arthrosis; severe central and bilateral subarticular zone spinal stenosis and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.  Small left facet effusion with postero-inferior periarticular synovial cyst. Mild L4-5 disc degeneration; moderate hypertrophic facet arthrosis bilaterally with moderate left subarticular, severe right subarticular and moderate central spinal stenosis.  Mild right more than left foraminal stenosis also noted. Other lumbar levels unremarkable.   How bad is it?
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Avatar universal
I have multilevel lumbar disc degeneration and spondylosis with moderate to mild predominantly bony stenosis at L3-L4,and to progressively less degrees L2-L3,L4-L5 , and L1-L2. Stenosis are right dominant from L4 up to L1 and fairly symmetric at L4-L5.
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Avatar universal
At l-4 n l-5 there is uncovering of the disc margin and posterocentral disc protrusion extending into both paracentral and far lateral location ...will surgery work n is it recommended
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Avatar universal
Hi --

Anyone have a 1 cm synovial cyst at T11/T12 level?  Also have herniated disc at L5/S1 causing moderate rt formanial stensosis (modic type 1 on rt side), L2/3 small herniation, and blialteral s2/3 perineual cysts of 1 cm.

Question:  I have sciatica (foot/leg) consistent with the L5 herniation, but also new lower back dull pain and shooting pain over top of rt thigh.  I think the second set of symptoms are due to the T11/T12/L2 but not sure .

More importantly I am trying to figure out which way I can move my spine for exercise -- i.e. told flexion / twists not ok for herniated discs, but extension not ok for synovial cyst or stenosis?

Is moderate walking and yoga (without twists & serious forward bends) ok?

Thnaks
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Avatar universal
I a will appreciate id someone can help me;

My father is 73, he cannot walk without aid and MRI concluded the following:

Multiplanar, multiecho MRI of the lumbar spine was performed using SET1W, FSET2W, STIR sequences.
Normal alignment and curvature of the spine is maintained.
There is T1 and T2 hyperintense changes at the end plates of L4-5, suggestive of MODIC changes.  
There are endplate depressions at L4-5, likely representing Schmorl’s nodes.
No marrow infiltrative disease is seen.
There is loss of T2 hyperintensity at multiple intervertebral disc levels, suggestive of disc desiccation.
There is diffuse disc bulge at the level of L3-4 and L5-S1.
There is central and bilateral paracentral posterior disc protrusion at the level of L4-5 causing extradural indentation on the thecal sac with mild exit foramen stenosis and nerve root compression on either side.  
Degenerative changes of the spine are noted in the form of marginal osteophytes, reduced disc space at L4-5 and facet arthropathy.
The distal dorsal spinal cord and conus appear normal.
The pre and paraspinal soft tissues are normal.
The bony spinal canal dimensions are within normal limits.  
IMPRESSION:  

 Lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease.
 Diffuse disc bulge at L3-4 and L5-S1.
 Central and bilateral paracentral posterior disc protrusion at L4-5 causing mild exit foramen stenosis and nerve root compression on either side.  

Question:
Can this be corrected, if yes where can I get the best of treatments for him please. He has diabetes and High blood pressure as well.

Regards

Jona
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9261952 tn?1402773846
Can anyone break my MRI of Cervical and Lumbar down in English form?  I am so ready to ask the doctor about surgery options.
CERVICAL MRI
FINDINGS: There is straightening of the normally observed cervical lordosis and diffuse cervical disc dehydration dhange. The posterior fossa is clear. Discogenic changes in the midcervical spine are most pronounced, characterized by endplate ridging, early disc height loss, and formation of dorsal disc osteophytes.
C2-C3: There is minimal posterior extension of disc annulus. Joints are intact. There is no central or foraminal narrowing.
C3-C4: Minimal dorsal disc narrowing. There is very slight ridging of the right facet joint. No stenosis.
C4-C5: 2 mm dorsal disc osteophyte complex, minimal uncinate ridging. No stenosis.
C5-C6: 5 mm dorsal disc osteophyte complex effaces the anterior epidural space, contacting and slightly flattening the ventral cord surface. Uncinate spur on the left causes a moderately sever narrowing of the foraminal outlet.
C6-C7: 5 mm broad disc osteophyte complex in continuity with spurred uncinate joint margins causes a moderate narrowing of the central canal and moderate to moderately severe left and mild to moderate right neural foraminal narrowing.
C7-T1: Tiny 1 mm left paracentral protrusion does not have mass effecton the cord. the neural foramina are widely patent.
T1-T2: Minor facet joint ridging but no stenosis.
T2-T3: More significant facet spur at this level is associated with moderate to moderately severe right and moderate left neural foraminal narrowing.

IMPRESSION:
1. Moderate to moderately severe central and foraminal narrowing at C5-C6 and C6-C7 as above.

2. There is significant foraminal stenosis at T2-T3 from facet spur formation. There is no cord edema and no bone stress response. Noted straightening of the normally observed cervical lordosis may alter spinal biomechanics and can be associated with muscle spasm.

I have been in pain since 2012, I have tried the epidural injection but no relief. If any can break these findings down for me I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

MRI of Lumbar
Conus and cauda Edina have a normal appearance. The fluid sensitive sequence shows edema across the left facet joint at L5-S1. Intervertebral discs are normal in signal and height at every level. Numbering assumes five non rib-bearing lumbar vertebrae.
T10-11 through L1-L2: Unremarkable.
L2-L3: A small foraminal protrusion is depicted both right and left as on the prior study. In association with mild facet capsular thickening and ridging, this causes mild foraminal canal narrowing. Sagittal image 10 series 3 shows left foraminal annular fissure.
L3-L4: Mild facet capsular thickening and very small foraminal protrusions with fissures bilaterally associated with moderate foraminal narrowing. Central canal is clear.
L4-L5: Mild endplate bony ridging, very subtle posterior extension of disc annulus, modest hypertrophy of facets and very slight narrowing of the neural foraminal outlets.
L5-S1: On the left, the pars interarticularis appears irregular, thin, some scelorisis but also edema-like signal change. There is a tiny synovial cyst within capsular tissue behind the left neural foraminal outlet, sagittal image 11 series 6. There is a very minor degeneration/ridging of the right facet joint. disc margin is clear. there is only minimal narrowing of the neural foraminal outlets. Degenerative-type cyst if seen along the inferior facet surface on the left on axial image 29 series 7.
[B]IMPRESSIONS[/B]:
1. left-sided pars irregularity and facet arthropathy/inflammation L5-S1 has progressed from the prior inflammation is more apparent on the current study which includes a STIR sequence. There is only a minor narrowing of subjacent neural foraminal outlet and no evidence for nerve root impingement at L5-S1.

2. At L2-3 and L3-4 a small foraminal protrusions persist and are stable. There is associated early facet DJD and mild to moderate neural foraminal narrowing at these two levels.
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Avatar universal
Can someone help me understand my CT lumbar spine?  Recently I had such severe pain when I got up out of the chair I could not walk. Next day I was fine. My CT was taken 3/2013 and they want to take another CT scan. I cannot have a MRI.

It reads as such:

L4-L5 and L5-S1 significant facet arthropathy is noted with degenerative changes.
L1-L2 and L2-L3 demonstrate no significant foraminal stenosis or central canal stenosis.
L3-L4 demonstrates small broad based disc bulge. Mild bilateral foraminal stenosis is noted. Mild facet arthropathy is noted.
L4-L5 demonstrates small broad based disc bulge. Moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis is noted with facet arthropathy.
L5-S1 demonstrates disc desiccation with disc space narrowing. Small broad based disc bulge is noted. Mild to moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis is noted.
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Avatar universal
I just recieved my mri and it says minimal disc herniation with disc narrowing with disc desiccation without spinal canal stenosis  in my L-s spine

Then my cervical says minimaldisc herniation with effacement of thecal sac without spinal cord compression
What does this really mean
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Avatar universal
I was recently involved in a car accident that has caused some damage in my lower back. My immediate concern is that I had back surgery on ruptured discs on my lower left side a few years ago and ever since then mine back had been sensitive.  I recently felt a shift in my lower back and over the past week a severe pain has affected my right side starting from my lower back bottom area down to practically my ankle. A rather sharp pain and hurts so bad. It sometimes is even hard to ben over to get dressed, sit or even stand for long periods of time.  
My MRI report states this LUMBAR SPINE
L4-L5 mild foraminal disc bulging bilaterally greater on the right. Small component of right foraminal protrusion.  No hypertrophic facet DJD. No central stenosis. Foraminal stenosis is mild to moderate on the right.
L5-S1 demonstrates a mild broad disc bul0dge extending into both neural foramina greater on the left. There is a mild left paramedian peripheral annular tear. Formal stenosis is mild on the left.
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1613542 tn?1366468543
Your disc  L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 disc are not as spongy as they should be. The L5 S1 disc is bulging/herniated on the left side and pressing on a nerve. More than likely the reason they want to operate is because you are at risk for permanent damage to the nerve getting pinched.  There is a Nerve conduction chart on my profile that would be helpful for you to look at. please feel free to look and share with anyone. Best wishes, Sissie
Helpful - 0
5297254 tn?1366139498
My doctor recommended me for surgery. Here is what my MRI report said. Someone please explain this to me. There is desiccation of the L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 disks. At L5-S1 there is a left lateral focal disk protrusion impinging the left sided nerve root

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Avatar universal
need help my boyfriends mri says his L1-L2L3L4 has 2 and 3 mm bulge he is in so much pain he  can't sleep more than 1 hour at a time and then he sits for hour.he has an appoinment with the orthopedic surgen next week and his is so nervous. will surgery be necessary?
thanks Lily
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Avatar universal
Can you explain my MRI results:
1. C5-C6 degenerative disc diseas and discosteophytic spurring abutting the anterior margin of the spinal cord.
2. Extradural oval mass posterior left T3-T4 level likely representing a synovial cyst.
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Avatar universal
HELLO EVERYBUDDY,
I Just visited this site and after reading of some posts ,inspired to ask a question if any buddy here can help me to understand my wife's spinal problem.
My Wfe age 38 , complaining for a back pain since last 5 years.Resently she consulted an Orthopedic Surgon in India and the Dr. Advised her an x-ray.the x-ray report is as given below.
X-RAY SPINE LITERAL VIEW:- there is E/O Midl reduction of IV Disc Space at L2 L3 Level and at L3,L4,L5,S1 Level Posterior Aspect;There is Mild SCLEROSIS and BIOCONCAVITY at Margins.There are Osteophytes at End corners.P/0 Chronic Degenerative Changes .
I am realy very very confused and very worried about my wife's health. whether her back pain is curable? what her x-ray report says? is any thing is going more worst ?and what precautions I / We have to take so the condition may not turn to more worse? if any buddy from the field of medicines , medical,surgery or orthopedic can help me out to understand the risk and guide me to save my wifes health will be highly oblidged. kindly reply/post.regards
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Avatar universal
Can someone assist me in understanding the severity of my condition. Recent MRI results reveal" T5-6 a moderate disc extrusion with inferiority extruded disc fragment paracentral to the right that is impinging upon and mildly flattening the cord." This is a result of a car accident on 11/1/2012. Two months of PT with little relief. What can I expect? What does all this really mean?
Helpful - 0
3157939 tn?1343582734
YOU HAVE TO GO 5-7 DOCTOR TO GET THE RIGHT ANSSWER FROM YOUR MRI!!
I HAVE ABOUT 7 REPORT DO NOT HAVE THE SAME !
1. Mild  ditaloxonal paynewopalhy.
2. Spinal stenosis.
3.widely patent spinal canal and neural foraminal.
4. mild disc bulge.
5. Facet joint arthropathy.
6. Bilateral neuroforaminal narrowing.
pain in my spine and go down my two legs to my feet with fire and pain and other and weakness in my legs and spine.
Helpful - 0
3149100 tn?1343202503
mr imaging reveals diffuse disc bulges at l4-5 and l5-s1 levels indenting the thecal sac with mild narrowing of bilateral neural formania

please tell me what to do as one doctor is saying for laser therapy and another doctor is saying for medicines and one another doctor says bed rest and exercise.......... and I don't know what to do....please help me and mail me at ***@****  please please please....
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Avatar universal
Diffuse posterior disc bulge and left foraminal protrusion is seen at C5-6 level along with posterior osyeophytes causing compression on the anterior subarachnoid space and identation on the left ventral nerve root with encroachment of left neural faramina.
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Avatar universal
Diffuse posterior disc bulge and left foraminal protrusion is seen at C5-6 level along with posterior osyeophytes causing compression on the anterior subarachnoid space and identation on the left ventral nerve root with encroachment of left neural faramina.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My MRI.  What does this mean?


MR LS3WW I 0IMPRESSION:
1. Multiple foci of subtly enhancing abnormal signal scattered throughout
the visualized spine. While this may be due to sarcoid findings are
nonspecific. Metastatic disease and multiple myeloma can have a similar
appearance. The prior study was not available for comparison.
2. Mild degenerative changes as discussed.





STUDY: MRI of lumbar spine

HISTORY: History of osseous sarcoid.

TECHNIQUE: Multisequence and multiplanar imaging of the lumbar spine with
and without contrast. 16 mL of Magnevist was administered intravenously.

COMPARISON: None

FINDINGS:

Alignment and vertebral body heights are maintained. There are hemangiomas
within the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies. There is disc desiccation at
L4-L5 and L5-S1. Conus is unremarkable in terminates at L1 level.

There are multiple foci of abnormal signal scattered throughout the
visualized thoracic spine, lumbar spine and sacrum. There is questionable
minimal enhancement associated with these lesions.

Evaluation of disc levels as follows:

L1-2: Unremarkable.

L2-3: Unremarkable.

L3-4: Unremarkable.

L4-5: Minimal disc bulge with right foraminal annular fissure. There is
bilateral facet hypertrophy. The thecal sac is borderline at 10 mm AP.
Neuroforamina are patent.

L5-S1: Bilateral facet hypertrophy, mild disc bulge with posterior and
the fissure. Thecal sac is normal limits. Neuroforamina are patent.

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Avatar universal
Hi, Can any any one tell me that my back pain is cureable? I am also filling Pain & Weekness in my Right leg. Already done MRI & Report here under. Doctor prescribe me for operation. But i am worried about operation.Please suggest.  

MRI Report -
Effective Canal APD at level of IV discs-
L1-L2 L2-L3 L3-L4 L4-L5 L5-S-1
1.8 cm 1.7 cm 1.5 cm 0.7 cm 1.5 cm

IMPRESSION: Study reveals-

Disc dessication with left postero lateral disc protrusion at the level of L4-L5 intervertebral disc causing indentation of thecal sac and narrowing of bilateral lateral recesses and neural foramina, more on the left side
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Avatar universal
        Degenerative disc disease is noted at the L3-L4,L4-L5and L-5 -S1 levels with some narrowing of the disc space height and loss of hydration on the more heavily T2 wieghted images. At L3 -L4there is a broad based central and right para central disc protusion with and annular tear along the
posterior margin of the disc with minimal ventral effacement of the thecal sac. at L4- L5 diffused bulging of the disc as well as a more focal central HNP are present resulting in slight distotion of the thecal sac.At the L5-S1level there is broad based central and right paracentral HNP resulting in some distortion of the thecal sac and mild right sided neuroforaminal encroachment. Help is this causing the pain   numbness  not feeling my legs  tingling in fingers  and can it be helped Thanks so much ahead of time. any kind of answer would be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
I had a xray of my entire back and the findings were wedging of the t7 and t8 vertabrel bodies and may be assosiated with mild disc degenerative disease. I have never had any back problems before but in November of 2010 was involved in a car accident , and since have been treated for severe whiplash ,I started getting mid back pain shortly after the accident and thought it was from inactivity but as time went on (3 months after the accident) I started getting much worse pain when standing or walking approx 300 feet, then would have to stop ( from severe pain)for a few minutes . the pain has gotten much worse now it has been 16 months sine the accident and I can barely walk 100 feet or stand for more than 10 to 15 minutes, the pain nears cripples me . Can anyone help me understand the above mentioned xrays, this is all I have had done so far am waiting to see specialtist , and would like to try and understand more, could this be related to my accident. I never mentioned before but I have not been able to work since the accident I do physio two times a week have had pain blocks done, nerve burning etc for my neck . now with the pain in my thoracic spine area, swelling of both legs which lead to a two week stay at the hosipital with severe infection in my right leg from the knee down (celiotis) may be misspelled . has anyone else experenced anything like this?
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Avatar universal
Can anyone tell me if this is normal? I am just 31 years old and I'm in a lot of pain in my middle back and thru my chest area. I had this same issue less than a year ago had MRI was told had a small bulging disc at T5-T6 did steroid shot and PT several months of pain but lessened never went away. Now in a ton of pain again had another MRI and it shows this The bulging disc at T5-T6 seen previously is minimally more prominent. There is desiccation of the discs at T5-T6, T6-T7 & T7-T8 which are stable. The nurse called and said there was no appreciable changes from the last MRI but have me going in for a steroid shot. Can a small bulging disc in thoracic back cause a lot of pain? Is desiccation normal and nothing to worry about? This may sound sad but sitting hurts I get the most relief when I'm flat on my back. Please help!
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