Explain MRI

[Stefy1970]

I have had back pain and pain down both legs, tingling and numbness etc. for the last 7 or 8 years. I only recently went to a medical dr for this problem, because I developed Patella Femoral Syndrome and the physical therapist said that there was something up with my legs. No matter how much I worked my muscle, they were still weak. (Jerking on leg lifts, etc) I told him about my back pain and he suggested that I go to see a Neurologist. I took his advice, they scheduled me for an MRI and I went back to see him for the results. All he told me about my MRI was that I needed surgery. When people ask me what exactly is wrong with my back, I don't even know. I went to Chiropractors in years past, but the pain has never went away. The Neurologist told me that I was past physical therapy and epidural shots. Can someone please exactly everything that is wrong with my back in terms that I will understand? I have not had surgery and my last appointment was about 9 months ago, I don't know if I want surgery, or what will happen to me if I don't have it....below are my MRI results
MRI LUMBAR SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST, 10/02/2007
HISTORY: Low back pain, bilateral leg pain with weakness.
TECHNIQUE: Sagittal fat-suppressed T2,sagittal proton density, sagittal T1, transverse T2 and transverse proton density images of the lumbar spine were obtained.
FINDINGS:Lumbar lordotic curvature is straightened, but alignment is within normal limits. Conus termination is within normal limits. Lumbar vertebral marrow signal is within normal limits.
L1-2: Disc desiccation. Minimal bulge may be present. No significant central canal or neuroforaminal stenonis depicted.

L3-4: No significant central canal or neuroforaminal stenonis. Left L4 vertebral body hemangioma is present.

L4-5: Disc bulge and tiny central protrusion. Central canal stenonis is felt to be mild to moderate. Dorsal linear tear is present. Bilateral mild to moderate lateral recess stenosis is depicted. Abutment of the descending left L5 nerve root is demonstrated.

L5-S1: Right paracentral/nueroforaminal stenonis. Protrusion is adjacent to but is not depicted in contact with the descending right S1 nerve root. Mild right neuroforaminal stenosis. No significant left neuroforaminal stenosis. Low grad bilateral facet arthropathy is suspected.

IMPRESSION: 1. Broad disc bulge, dorsal linear tear and tiny central protrusion at the L4-5 level with abutment of the descending left L5 nerve root.
2. Right L5-S1 neuroforaminal/paracentral protrusion depicted adjacent to the descending right S1 nerve root.

[KBodine]

I'm having similar issues right now and I feel your pain. I can't find anyone to give me a clear answer on my MRI either. My suggestion is try to find a neurosurgeon. They may be able to atleast point you in the right direction. Its frustrating but just keep looking.Good luck with everything!

[Judy1961]

Well sounds like you quite a few things going on in your back.  I would definitely seek a consultation with a neurosurgeon.

[Cindee56]

I'm not a doctor, but I have had a lot of MRI's and it honestly doesn't sound too bad to me.  I don't know what they would do with surgery.  You have to question the doctor, then get a second opinion.  Just don't rush into anything, esp. surgery.