MRI Results questions

I just recently had an MRI done on my lower back. I am in the Army and hurt myself back in November 08. The findings stated i had: "Anatomic alignment without fracture, listhesis, or spondylolsis. Normal bone marrow signal seen through out." Then it broke it down more to L4-5 Disk level: " Broad based disc bulge and bilateral facet hypertrophy is seen since contributing to minimal bilateral neural foramina narrowing. There is no significant spinal canal stenosis. " Then my L5-S1 disk level: " There is loss of the normal high and signal of the disc consistent with desiccation. There is a central/paracentral disk protrusion the barely contacts the bilateral traversing nerves and abuts the anterior thecal sac. Mild facet hypertrophy contribute to minimal bilateral neural formina stenosis." Now that is a mouthful to a guy like me. If there is anyone on here that can explain that to me a bit more and let me know if surgery is an option at 26 years old or is this a problem i will be with the rest of my life. Also is this somewhat serious or not so much. thank you very much

[LLWB]

You have a disc bulging at L4-5. The foramina are the bones to the side of the disc that the nerves exit from your spinal cord. The foramina is getting smaller, probably due to arthritis. (I'm no doc, just a spinal pt.) At L5-S1 your disk is drying out(dessication (desiccation)). Your disc at that level is protruding centrally, and touching the nerves. Neural foramina stenosis is the donut hole in the foramina is getting smaller, thus squeezing the nerves.

I would guess from these MRI results you are having lower back pain, and possible pain /and or tingling sensations in your legs and feet.

You are young to be showing the disc dessication (desiccation), which is also called degenerative disc disease. And young for the stenosis also.

Have you had an injury? I assume being in the Army you are probably quite active. There are many conservative treatments that can be tried. Physical Therapy, heat or ice to the painful area, stretching exercises and exercises to strengthen your core muscles. Surgery at your age should be the last resort. Most people who have one spinal surgery many times end up having more. . When do you see your doc? I would ask for a neurosurgeon consult, to discuss your options. Good luck, post what you find out.