What does this mean?

[braijackava]

I have been having a lot of back pain so recently had an MRI. My doctor is out of town for the next week and I am having a hard time understanding what the radiology report means. Any helps is appreciated!
There is a mild dextroscoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine with
the apex at the level of the L1 vertebral body. The vertebral
bodies are normal in height without evidence of a fracture.
Endplate osteophytes are noted at T11-T12. Mild discogenic
endplate degenerative changes are noted at the anterior aspect
of the superior endplate of T12. The intervertebral disc space
heights are maintained.

T11-T12: No significant neural foraminal or central canal
stenosis.

T12-L1: No significant neural foraminal or central canal
stenosis.

L1-L2: No significant neural foraminal or central canal
stenosis.

L2-L3: No significant neural foraminal or central canal
stenosis.

L3-L4: No significant neural foraminal or central canal
stenosis.

L4-L5: Mild facet arthropathy without significant neural
foraminal or central canal stenosis.

L5-S1: Very small posterior disc bulge and mild facet
arthropathy. There is no significant neural foraminal or
central canal stenosis.

Impression:
Mild dextroscoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine with minimal to
mild degenerative changes at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Degenerative
changes are also noted at T11-T12. There is no significant
neural foraminal or central canal stenosis.

[philnoir]

No, I agree with your PT -- your MRI is "pretty normal."

I don't know your age or physical condition, but most older people develop degenerative disc disease to a certain extent as part of the aging process.

As I said, you have "mild" disc disease, that may respond to non-interventional treatment (PT). Why not see if this PT is effective in treating you before requesting another therapist?

[braijackava]

Thanks. I went to my first physical therapy appt today and the first thing the physical therapist said to me was that my MRI looked "pretty normal". Pretty much turned me off to the rest of the appt. I don't think I want someone like this treating me. Should I request a referral to someone else?

[philnoir]

You have mild disc disease in your lower back. It may respond to non-interventional treatment like physical therapy. Essentially, your docs will be treating pain.

Some docs refer to a surgeon right away in these instances. It's a mistake. Surgical intervention rarely solves anything with an MRI like this.

However, surgery create scar tissue that often exacerbates or cause addtional pain. Try all other possible treatments before committing to the surgical alternative.