What does this mean?

[Drea4ever]

This is my MRI results I would like to understand


Examination: MRI lumbar spine without contrast

Indication: L5-S1 herniated disc pain.

Comparison: None.

Technique: Sagittal FSE T2, sagittal FSE T2 fat sat, sagittal FSE T1, axial FSE T2, axial FSE T1.

IMPRESSION:
1. A left paracentral disc protrusion at L4-L5 causes mass effect upon the descending left L5 nerve root.

Comments: The L5-S1 level is normal. At L4-L5 there is a left paracentral disc protrusion causing mass effect upon the descending left L5 nerve root. Vertebral body heights are well-maintained. The remainder of the lumbar spine is normal. Sacroiliac joints are normal. The retroperitoneum is normal. Marrow signal is normal.

[Kalvin]

I know what u mean about dreading another surgery.The whole thing is just such an ordeal, mentally and physically.

It's possible something could have happened, let's hope not. Probably need a new MRI.

Take Care

[Liz50]

I had surgery on my back (L2-3, L4-5) about 15 months ago. The constant pain down both legs was immediately gone. Post surgery has been hit and miss as I was unable to do as much PT as I needed (hubby was involved in a bad motorcycle accident 5 weeks post surgery and I had to take care of him for 3 month) I am now experiencing sharp paina upon sitting(!) and a numbness and/or sharp pain on the inside of my right leg (following the ham string as best I can tell) Upon reading my MRI results of 18 months ago, it does mention moderate to severe disc protrusion in the L5-S-1 region. I cannot bear the thought of more surgery, but could this situation have just become worse over such a short period of time?? I actually tripped up a flight of stairs yesterday--just didn't feel the stair beneath my foot. Time to see the neurosurgeon again??

[Kalvin]

It's saying that u have a disc protrusion that's effecting your L5 nerve root.

Do you have sciatica, pain down the leg?

Do a web search on L5 radiculopathy