Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 11/28/2010

Question
Hello,
I had my MRI done a month ago  and I don't understand all that medical jargon. Could someone please explain to me in layman's terms what my MRI finding mean:
- L4/5 shows mild broad central disc protrusion with some ligamentum flavum redundancy  but there is minimal central stenosis and no forminal constriction is seen

- L5/S1 shows a tear of the annulus and mild central disc protrusion but there is no pressure on S1 nerve roots. No forminal constriction is evident

Findings: Facet degenerative changes. Disc degeneration L4/5 and L5/S1 with minimal disc portrusion but no central stenosis. No forminal constrictions
Is that a serious condition? Lately I have been getting lower back pain if I sit for too long or stand and  occasional burning sensation behind my hips and left knee. I'm 30 year old very fit and athletic . Will the central disc heal by itself or should I seek specialist medical help i.e neurosurgeon . Thanks in advance for the answers. Cheers, JAck

Answer
I will try to explain what your mri means. My response is in caps.

L4/5 shows mild broad central disc protrusion with some ligamentum flavum redundancy

YOU HAVE A DISC BULDGE THAT IS MILD. tHINK OF A JELLY DOUGHNUT AND THE JELLY IS SLIGHTLY PROTRUDING OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE DOUGHNUT. THIS PROTRUSION IS NOW UP AGAINST THE LIGAMAENTUM FLAVUM THIS WOULD BE THE PROTECTIVE COATING LIKE WAX PAPER (SORT OF)THAT IS FOLDED OVER ON ITSELF



but there is minimal central stenosis and no forminal constriction is seen

THIS MEANS THE CANAL WHERE YOUR SPINAL CORD IS MILDLY DIMMINISHED IN SIZE. THINK OF A HOSE AND THE WATER IS YOUR SPINAL CORD. YOUR CANNAL (HOSE) IS SMALLER AT THIS LEVEL THAN THE LEVELS ABOVE IT.

- L5/S1 shows a tear of the annulus and mild central disc protrusion but there is no pressure on S1 nerve roots. No forminal constriction is evident.

THE ANNULUS AT THIS LEVEL IS SLIGHTLY TORN AND YOU HAVE A SLIGHT PROTRUSION (JELLY DOUGHNUT)THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THIS IS NOT HIT THE NERVE ROOTS OF YOUR SPINAL CORD. NO FORAMINAL CONSTRICTION MEANS THE HOLE WHERE YOUR NERVE ROOT EMITS IS OF NORMAL SIZE AND THA'S GOOD.

Findings: Facet degenerative changes. Disc degeneration L4/5 and L5/S1 with minimal disc portrusion but no central stenosis. No forminal constrictions

YOU HAVE THE BEGINNING STAGES OF DEGENERATION WHICH REALLY MEANS THAT THE DISC IS BECOMMING DEHYDRATED AND THE DISC IS DECREASED IN HEIGHT.THE FACETS ARE THE ACTUAL JOINTS IN YOUR SPINAL COLUMN AND DISC DEGENERATION IS DESCRIBED AS THE TWO LOWEST DISCS IN YOUR SPINE.

I believe this is something that you should seek the care of a chiropractor to help with movement of these degenerated joints.This is more than likely the cause of your back pain.

I hope this helps.
John Q Quackenbush DC


I was informed by all experts that you may have NOT received this so here you go.