MRI REPORT PLEASE HELP INTERPRET

Mild interspace narrowing with decreased signal intenisty is confirmed at L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1, consistent with disk degeneration and dehydration. A small focus of increased signal intensity is confirmed in the peripheral anulus of L5-S1, consistant with RADIAL TEAR

No disk herniation or canal stenosis is suggested at the throacolumbar junction at L1-L2

L2-L3 a small bulge of the anulus is demonstrated with flattening of the thecal sca contour. Superimposed upon the bulge is a small left paracentral disk herniation which mildly distorts the thecal sac focally. No cancal stenosis or foraminal encroachment is apparent, however. The facet joint appears intact

L3-L4 a small bulge of the anulus mildly distorst the thecal sac. No focal disk herniation or canal stenosis is demonstrated. no foraminal encroachment is apparent. facet joint appears intact

L4-L5 a small to moderate buldge flattens the thecal sac contour. Superimposed on the bulge is a small central disk protrusion. No canal stenosis is evident. Mild bilateral foraminal extension of the bulge is without foraminal encroachment. The facet joint appears intact.

L5-S1 a small to moderate bulge is demonstrated which abuts the thecal sac. The bulge is somewhat more prominent to the left side with a mild left foraminal encroachment resulting. No significant right foraminal encroachment is suggested. No canal stenosis is confirmed. The facet joint is unremarkable.

The conus is normal in postion with intake size, contour, and signal intensity. No crowding of the nerve roots of cuada equina is suggested.

No paraspinal mass is discerned

[spankyandrex]

You have bulging discs in your back, which is "pretty normal". Most people have one or two bulging discs, just normal wear and tear in the discks.

I too have the same thing.  At some point, it's possible they could herniate, believe me, you will know when that happens (ouch!).  In the meantime, be sure to take extra special care of your back.  Do exercises for yourself, walk and stretch.  But for sure, talk to your doctor about your results and maybe even the radiologist to find out waht all this means "for you".  The stenosis is a big thing to watch for.  Unless you have sciatica pain down your leg and it's causing tingling and numbness or drop foot, they will probably just prescribe physical therapy for you.

GOOD LUCK

[SHORTI81]

It doesn't feel like normal wear and tear. I definately have sciatica like pain that goes down the entire left leg and I also have a lot of tingling in my low leg and foot. I was in pt for a few months but cause it is a work comp injury and the insurance company doesn't want to provide medical care for too long I was more or less kicked out of therapy even though I had at least another month of sessions. My work comp doc placed me at mmi (maximum medical improvement) after being out of work for 13 months and wants no further medical care. This DOES NOT seem right or fair to be doing all I can to get back on my feet but I have gotten no where seeing this circle of hellish work comp doctors. My doctor wants nothing to do with me but send me for injections and surgery when the injections have not worked and no surgeon wants to perform surgery.

[FloridaSunshine]

What have you done for treatment?  Did you try the shots yet?
Your Mri sounds lke mine, I am in lot of pain, mostly buttocks pain now, and groin pain. So far I have only done Vocidon pain pills. I fear the shots.