How serious is my MRI reading

[stoshab]

Hello I was wondering if someone can help me understand the severity of my spinal MRI's.  I had an MRI of both my lumbar and thoratic spine. I have lower and mid back pain. I have pain in both legs. Water retention, and radiating pain to my left side.  Feeling like I'm being "hooked".  It hurts to take a deep breath.  Does this report explain all of that? How many ruptured disc do I have? Is this very serious?  Here is what the report read:
There is normal verebral body height seen throughout the lumbar spine.  There is normal alignment, with no evidence of subluxation.  There is loss of intervertebral disc T2 signal identified at L4-L5 and L5-S1.  There is no loss of intervertebral disc height at L4-L5.  Abnormal signal is identified along the superior endplate of L5, consistent with Schmorl's node.
At the T12-L1 level there is a central disc protusion which measures 6mm in lateral dimension, 4 mm in AP dimension and 6 mm in craniocaudal dimension.  There is no significant canal or neuroforaminal stenosis from this lesion.
At the L1-L2, L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels, there is no significant disc protrusion, canal stenosis or neuroforaminal encroachment.
At the L4-L5 level, there is a diffuse disc bulge with a central disc extrusion.  This measures 17mm in lateral dimension, 16 mm in craniocaudal dimension and 9 mm in AP dimension.  This causes severe canal stenosis, with the canal measuring 6 mm.  There is mild right neuroforaminal stenosis also evident.
At the L5-S1 level, there is no significant canal stenosis, neuroforaminal encroachment from a mild diffuse disc bulge.
There is a normal vertebral body height and alignment seen throughout the thoracic spine.  there is no abnormal signal identified within the cord. No abnormal signal is identified within the bone marrow. No significant loss of T2 signal is identified within the intraverebral disc space.
There is redemonstration of a diffuse disc bulge identified at T7-T8.  This causes borderline canal stenosis, with the canal measuring approximately 11 mm, This is stable compared to the prior examination.  There is mild, diffuse disc bulge at T6-T7, with no significant canal stenosis.  Mild disc bulge is identified at T11-T12 and T12-L1.  
Impressions:
Stable appearance to the diffuse is disc bulge identified at T7-T8, with a borderline canal stenosis, with the canal measuring 11 mm.
Minimal diffuse disc bulges are identified at T6-T7 and T10-T11.  there is no canal stenosis associated with these lesions.
Disc protrusion identifed at T12-L1 without significant canal stenosis.
Large disc extrusion identified at L4-L5, causing severe canal stenosis.

[Quixotic1]

It looks like you have one "herniated" disc which is at the Lumbar level between L4 and L5.  This is a serious defect which is causing significant narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal.   There is also narrowing in the windows through which the lumbar nerves pass.  This finding will likely cause significant symptoms of numbness, weakness or pain in the legs.

There are several slightly bulging discs, which likely are not causing symptoms.

In the thoracic spine you have an old bulge, not described as an herniation, which has not enlarged since the last film.  This is at T7 &  T8.  The spinal canal (the space within which the spinal cord floats) is slightly compressed.  No mention is made of whether the nerve "windows" are also narrowed.  This MAY be what is causing the pain when you breath deeply.  That could also be caused by local muscle spasm.

I hope this helps.   There are no back surgeons or neurlologist on this forum who can explain more about the implications of the MRI.  Also, that information can only be made knowing what your symptoms are and what your exam shows.  Good luck Quix

[stoshab]

Thank you very much.  That helps me and gives me more knowledge going in to see the neurosurgeon.  Do you think I might possibly be a candidate for surgery?  I have had numerous other MRI's which stated that I had a tumor on my spine and only the L4-L5 herniation as well as degenerative disc disease.  This MRI didn't mention the tumor or DDD.   I was also very shocked to see the numerous bulges and got scared.   Do those happen because of DDD?  Also did you see anywhere in the report mentioning the tumor?  I didn't see.  I am a 30 yr old female.  I am really nervous about back surgery etc.   I am hoping for good news when I get to the surgeon.   I appreciate your fast response to my post.

[Quixotic1]

This REALLY isn't my area of expertise at all.  I can't comment on indications for, types of, or complications of back surgery.

I would be worried about the severe stenosis in the lumbar region.  I can imagine that the only way to go from here without intervention is downward with further pain,  and loss of function.  The problem is that surgery may or may not relieve the problems you already have.  Try to get the best surgeon you can find.  Sometimes you can ask a nurse who works on the back or neurosurg service in a hospital to tell you (on the "down low") who she would go to.

No, I saw no mention of a tumor.  It is faulty to "assume" that means there wasn't one.  Maybe it was on the list of things to report and was inadvertently skipped over.  The neurosurgeon will look at the images himself/herself(rarely:( )

and you should bring it up.  If the surgeon only refers to the report and doesn't care to see the images - look for another surgeon.  I feel the same way with neurologist that don't read their own films.

Good luck, Quix

[KarenLM]

I have had severe pain in my lower back.That has sent me to the ER to many times with extreme pressure in abd.I had many tests unable to sleep legs are numb i stumble over them finger numness on left hand. fatigue fell like i have the flu all the time can't enjoy everything i love to domany more prob. then i guess you would like to read.Well today after one of my test(MRI) came back I finally was told what was causing the pressure and pain.So Relieved i left the doctors office without fully understanding the MRI W/Neurosurgen appt in hand.Now after reading :Confused
  
           Degenerative disc disease is noted at the L3-L4,L4-L5and L-5 -S1 levels with some narrowing of the disc space height and loss of hydration on the more heavily T2 wieghted images. At L3 -L4there is a broad based central and right para central disc protusion with and annular tear along the
posterior margin of the disc with minimal ventral effacement of the thecal sac. at L4- L5 diffused bulging of the disc as well as a more focal central HNP are present resulting in slight distotion of the thecal sac.At the L5-S1level there is broad based central and right paracentral HNP resulting in some distortion of the thecal sac and mild right sided neuroforaminal encroachment. Help is this causing the pain   numbness  not feeling my legs  tingling in fingers  and can it be helped Thanks so much ahead of time. any kind of answer would be appreciated.

[GatorFan]

I am in NE Florida so this may not help even tho I know of a lady who came here from NJ to see the Neurosurgeon that did my back surgery.  He is awesome!  He is Dr. Paulo Montiero at the Lyerly Neurosurgery Clinic in Jacksonville Florida.  http://www.lyerlyneuro.com/
Good Luck and if you have had your surgery I hope all went well.

[CynthiaCR]

I had an MRI of my head and the thoratic area following a minor car accident last week that left me with a mild concussion.  I had no LOC.  Initially, I went to the ER and had a CT scan which was normal.  I was then sent for an MRI.  Three years ago, i was diagnosed with a herniation of the C5-C6 disc.  The today's MRI report states, "C5-C6 disc space level demonstrates a moderate diffuse disc bulge with right paracentral disc protrusion with associated annular tear.  There is no significant neural foraminal stenosis or canal stenosis noted at this level.    In addition, the Impression statement includes a repeat of the info above as well as "Reversal of normal lordosis of cervical curve cannot exclude muscle spasm.  No evidence of acute injury or ligamentous abnormality."  I get that this means this leads to muscle spasms (which it does) and I generally live in pain.  I'm being told at this point by the ER & Workman's Comp docs that it might be a good idea to consider neck surgery b/c I've been in so much pain for so long and it doesn't get better (I've done physical therapy a couple of times and now I do weekly visits with a soft manipulation chiropractor, as well as see a massage therapist - both each week - and I go to the gym to strengthen muscles around the area).  All of my efforts help but I still live in pain.  What's the report saying in layman's terms?  Should I consider surgery?  THX!!

[neckguy]

Can someone help me understand the severity of my spinal MRI's.  I had an MRI on my cervical spine.  Here is the findings.  1. Reversal of the upper cervical lordosis indicating spasm.  2. C3-C4: There is a 2mm focal central disc protrusion effacing the thecal sac. this narrows the central canal to 9mm.  3. C5-C6:  There is a 3 mm far left lateral disc protrusion.  this impinges on the left lateral recess and the proximal left neural foramen.  there is mild narrowing of the left proximal neural foramen.  4.  C6-C7: There is a 4 mm broad disc protrusion.  this effaces the thecal sac and narrows the canal to 9 mm.  what kind of treatment would be best for me? and why if you can explain in layman's terms?   I thank you for your help.

[ladyozone]

I was in a gymnastics accident 10 years ago that left me with a torn left sacroiliac joint and a couple of bulging discs.  About three years ago, I started having severe pain and numbness down my arm.  I went in for an MRI that showed I had developed DDD and the disc at C5-6 was herniated centrally causing the pain and numbness down both of my arms.  Two weeks ago, my neck went out again causing worse pain down two nerve paths in my right arm.  I went in for an MRI and now have obtained the results.  The problem is, I live in Canada now and the wait to see a GP is long.  I'd like to know if you could clarify my MRI results?  I know this isn't a substitute for a face to face meeting with a physician, but it would put my mind at ease to know. My MRI results read:
Findings:
There is a reduced cervical lordosis.
At C5-6, there is a right lateral disc protrusion effacing the lateral recess, lateral aspect of the cord and the C6 neural foramen.
C4-5, C4-3, C2-3, C6-7 and C7-T1 are unremarkable and normal
Opinion:
Right C5-6 disc protrusion. Clinical correlation recommended.
Now I'm not dummy (second year PhD student) and I can make out what the majority of this means, but I see no comment about DDD nor do I know if its time for disk replacement.  This report is less detailed then my last MRI report in 2004.  What is your take on this?  I would greatly appreciate your help.  Thank you in advance.

[Gersygrl]

my son was in a car accident and has subsequently been complaining severe back pain.  He had an MRI and it showed a focal posteriocentral disc protrusion at T7/8 this contacts and causes  flattening of the cord at right of midline. The central canal remains patent at 10.5 mm ap.
How serious is this finding?
I appreciate your response. Thanks
Gersygrl  

[charlie124]

I'm 15 yrs old and i have a prolapsed disc in my lower back. Yeah I know uncommon.
I've had an MRI but not got the results yet even though i really should of by now since i had it a couple of weeks ago.
The pain started in september.
My doctor has said i'll be having a lumbar block and he thinks that it probably will not work so then i'll have an operation.
One thing im scared of needles. Could i just ask him to have the operation not the lumbar block. I dont want it, i'd rather get the operation over and done with as quick as i can because theres lots of things i wanna do and the pain is getting in the way of my school work and my hobby/work at the stables.
Help anyone?

[looking572]

Question = 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 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.

[mandyjane46]

Hi charlie

You sound like my son who has a terror of needles too.However you wont see the needle and its impoortant to try this first.
I know its frustrating BUT back surgery isnt the easiest option.IT  can cause further problems in some cases so go for the block frst...it may sort out your problem and get you backat the stables faster than you think!!!!
good luck Charlie
MJ

[al74]

Hi can anyone please help me understand my mri?  It was done for lower back pain and radiation down my left leg.  Thanks



MRI Lumbar Spine without contrast:
Clinical History: Low back pain, bilateral leg pain greater on the left
Technique: Sagittal Tl, sagittal T2, sagittal STIR, axial T2, and axial Tl weighted images were acquired of the lumbar
spine. No contrast was given.
Findings: There are no previous similar examinations available for comparison.
Lumbar vertebral body stature and alignment are maintained. There is disc desiccation with moderate narrowing of the L5/S1 intervertebral disc space. There are posterior annular fissures at L4-5 and L5/S1. A large focus of marrow signal abnormality of the right aspect of Tl 1 likely represents a hemangioma, hyperintense on Tl and T2 sequences. There is no marrow edema to suggest an acute fracture. The conus terminates normally at Ll-2. There is very minimal anterior
osteophyte formation greatest at L3-4 and L4-5.
L2-3:   There is facet hypertrophic change and minimal buckling of the ligamentum flavum. The central canal and the neural foramina are adequate. There is likely a hemangioma of the left aspect of L3.
L3-4:   There is mild facet hypertrophic change and very minimal buckling of the ligamentum flavum. The central canal and the neural foramina are adequate. There is a very minimal disc osteophyte complex.
L4-5:   There is bilateral facet hypertrophic change. There is a minimal circumferential disc osteophyte complex. The central canal and the,neural foramina are adequate.
L5/S1: There is a shallow protrusion which slightly indents the ventral thecal sac. There is light contact of the ventral surfaces of the descending SI nerves slightly greater on the left. The overall dimension of the central canal is adequate. There is minimal narrowing of the inferior left neural foramen. The right neural foramen is adequate. There is facet degenerative change.
Impression:
THERE IS A SHALLOW POSTERIOR PROTRUSION AT L5/S1 WHICH LIGHTLY CONTACTS THE VENTRAL SURFACES OF THE DESCENDING SI NERVES BILATERALLY.
THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT CENTRAL CANAL COMPROMISE OF THE LUMBAR SPINE.
THERE IS MULTI-LEVEL FACET DEGENERATIVE CHANGE.
THERE ARE POSTERIOR ANNULAR FIS SURES AT L4-5 AND L5/S1.

[Annie1021]

Hi.  I recently had an MRI Lumbosacral Spine with Contrast.  I really don't understand all this medical terminalogy but what worries me is the findings of large hemangiomas noted occupying the posterior aspect of the L5 and the anterior aspect of L3.

After reading all the information, this is what the MRI impression reads:
1.  Spondylotic changes and degenerative disks disease with a right paracentral disk L4-L5 producing  moderate spinal canal and right neural foramina stenosis.
2. Intravertebral hemangiomas L3 and L5
3. No obnormal enchancement after gadolinium administration

Please explain more on the findings of large hemangiomas.  Can this be something serious?

***@****

[jossie110]

I just a had a mri and need help understanding the report it states:
1.dics degeneration: c4-c5,c5-c6 and c6-c7
2. c5-c6 anterior cord effacement
3. nerve compression :right c7
4. Neural foramen stenosis: right c5-c6 and c6-c7 with potential irritation of the respective exiting nerves.
also
1.  disc degeberation: t11-t12 and l5-s1
2. Neural foramen stenosis: bilateral L5-s1 with potential irritation of the exiting l5 nerves.

please help me understand

thanks

jossie

[girlygirlhorses]

HI
I am 57  years old had 2 compression fracture within the last 1 1/2  years in T8 T9.  I am a horse back rider and these two fracture happen during riding.  I can not understand this report so if anyone can help me I appreicate it.
My last one read recent compression fracutre of T8 with bone marrow edema with the superior one-third of the vertebral body assoicated with a Schorl node and mild superior endplate depression resulting in 20% loss of central vertebral body height.  There is no retropulsion of bone to the ventral can.
There is a chronic superior endplate compression of T9 resulting in focal 20% loss of anterocentral vertebral body hieght There is no associate edema nor retropulsions of bone to the ventreal can.
Spinal cord is normal size and signal characteristics No extramedullary intradural abnormalities.
MOdic I degenerative endplate changes T6^7 and slight anterior Modic I T7T8
mild loss disc signal T 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 mm central protrusion T6-7
Slight 1mm disc bulgee T7-8
1 mm right cental protrusion T8-9