Understanding MRI Results.

[looking572]

I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2004. In July 2006 I had a L4-5 global fusion. Still having significant pain with long periods of standing or walking.

Just had another MRI completed this month with the following Impression: Postoperative changes at the L4-5 level without evidence for spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis.

Disc Bulge at L1-2 with posterior annular defect, but no spinal stenosis. Minimal degenerative changes at other levels within the lumbar spine also without stenosis.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Zak_Han]

Although the MRI diagnosis, you do not have the  spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, however, does not mean in the external spine canal, due to soft tissue injury caused aseptic inflammation of soft tissue  have disappeared, it is these inflammation caused you pain, because the local poor blood circulation, so these aseptic inflammation very easily become chronic changes, and this is reason that a lot of low back pain patients' symptoms persist for many years

[spankyandrex]

Hi there.  Your MRI sounds like a normal MRI.  Each one of us has changes in our spine as we grow older.  I am 38 years old and I have a mess in all 3 levels of my spine.  Bulges and herniations, kyphosis and hyperlordosis of the spine.  They diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis (duh!).  

You have no spinal or foraminal stenosis that is seen anyway.  Have they investigated other reasons for your spine such as postural?  Sorry about your car accident, sounds horrible.  Keep us posted.