what does my MRI mean in laymans terms?

I just got the results of my MRI and am struggling to interprate them , can anyone out there please tell me what they mean in plain english! Also what the treatment is likely to be as i am waiting to for an appointment to see my neurologist which from past experience will not be any time soon!

There is minor narrowing of the C4/5 and C5/6 intervertebral disc spaces and early dehydration change is noted in all the cervical and lumbar discs. .

there is marked narrowing of of the L4/5 intervertebral disc space and degenerative change is seen within the disc and adjacent vertebral endplates at this level. .

At L3/4 a broad based, but predominantly left sided, posterior disc protrusion slightly indents the ventral aspect of the thecal sac, degenerative change is noted at the facet joints and there is some thickening of the ligamentum flavum; The circumferential posterior disc protrusion encroaches upon the neuroforamina, bilaterally, this is slightly more marked on the left side where the disc may just touch the left L3 nerve root, far laterally (axial T2 images 4 and 5)

At L4/5 a broad based, but predominantly midline, posterior disc prolapse indents the ventral aspect of the thecal sac. The disc just touches the medial aspect of the left L5 nerve root as it crossed the disc (axial T2 image 13)  There is minor narrowing of the left nauroforamen with minor impingement upon the dorsal aspect of the left L4 nerve root (sagittal T2 image 10) Degenerative change is noted, bilaterally, at the facet joints.

At L5/S1 degenerative change is seen at the facet joints and there is a right sided posterolateral disc protrusion but there is no evidence of neural compression.

There is bilateral and symmetrical fatty infiltration and wasting of posterior panstgial muscles at and below the level of the L4 vertebral body.

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

your neck is fine but your low back present some compression on the nerves which only can be treated on the long term with lumbar instrumentation, otherwise small surgeries (without instrumentation) can just offer a temporary relief. Dr Nassim

[yellowted]

Thank you, very helpful, having seen my GP but not yet my consultant i have yet to be offered any treatment at all!!!

[Nassim Abi Chahine, MD]

You are most welcome, I hope my opinion can lead you to the best decision.

Dr Nassim, MedHelp Neurosurgery Forum moderator