MRI Question

can you tell what the following means:

Diffuse intervertebral disc bulge?
Facet joint capsular hyperophy ?
Spurs?

[CCFNeuroMD JT, MD]

I’d be happy to help you translate some of the medical jargon in your MRI report, but please recognize that I am limited by the information you have provided; without being able to review your MRI for myself, I cannot confirm the accuracy of the MRI report.

- “Diffuse intervertebral disc bulge”: The anatomy of the spine is such that a cartilaginous cushion is positioned between each vertebrae (spine bone).  These cushions are also known as discs.  Sometimes, with age, trauma, or wear-and-tear, the discs can start to protrude into the spinal canal.  If this is severe, spinal cord/nerve compression can occur.  In your case, it sounds like you have mild bulging of the discs at multiple spinal levels, but it doesn’t sound like the degree of bulge is enough to cause any clinical symptoms.

- “Facet joint capsular hypertrophy”:  Facet joints refer to the connection between the bones of the spine (bones are stacked like building blocks one on top of another).  The joints allow some degree of flexibility of the spine while maintaining stability.  Similar to other joints in the body (such as the knee), facet joints are lined by cartilage.   Just as an arthritic knee can become inflamed and swollen with arthritis, so can the facet joints between the vertebrae.

-“Spurs”: A spur is a bony projection that forms along the bony surfaces of joints, oftentimes as a result of arthritis.

I know this is a limited explanation, but hopefully I’ve provided you with the information you were looking for.  In essence, it sounds like you have some arthritis.  It is best to see a physician and perhaps look into establishing some sort of physical therapy plan.  I urge you to seek medical attention first so that you don’t subject yourself to any exercise regimens that can potentially worsen your situation.