DO I NEED SURGERY???

[mrswatkins484]

MRI RESULTS
Hello I'm new to this forum, I went to have a MRI done today MR OM MRI LUMBAR SPINE is what they called it on the report of what i was having done.

FINDINGS- Standard sequences demonstrate normal alignment of the Lumbar Vertebrate. The Intervertebral discs are normally hydrated and demonstrate normal height. Normal conus end at L1. No marrow replacement process or edema. Paravertebral soft tissues appear unremarkable. Nerve roots are normally distributed within the Dural sac.

L1-L2- Unremarkable
L2-L3- Unremarkable
L3-L4- Mild concentric disc bulge with slightly asymmetry to the left. No frank central or foraminal stenosis.  Mild bilateral facet arthropathy.
L4-L5- Mild concentric disc bulge with mild bilateral facet arthropathy.
L5-S1- Unremarkable

IMPRESSION- MILD CONCENTRIC DISC BULGE L3-L4 AND L4-L5. MILD MULTILEVEL FACET ARTHROPATHY. NOT FRANK DISC HERNIATION OR STENOSIS.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN???? DO I NEED SURGERY???

[mrswatkins484]

Thank You Very Much for Responding to my question.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

This is essentially a normal MRI report except for mild degenerative changes with mild disc bulge at L3/ L4 and L4/ L5. This is likely to respond well to conservative management and surgery is unlikely to be required. I would suggest discussing the situation and the suggested management plan in detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!