Question
Hi,

I am a 28 yr old male and weigh about 130 kgs. I have had some pain in my lower back and right leg through the hip. This pain has been excruciating for last 15 days or so and I got an MRI done.

This is what the report reads, please help me understand this better and possible treatment options.

MR imaging of the lumbar spine was done using a spine coil. Sequential Se T1 and T2 weighted images were obtained in sagittal and transverse planes.

Report: Normal lumbar spine curvature is reduced. Lumbar vertebrae are normal in signal intensity. No lytic/destructive lesion seen. Posterior elements are normal.

Developmentally lumbar spinal canal diameter is L1: 18.6 mm, L2: 14.8 mm, L3: 14.2 mm, L4: 14.3 mm and L5: 14.5mm

Central and right paracentral disc protrusion is seen at L5/S1 level, indenting thecal sac and and right exiting nerve root.

Central disc protrusion is seen at L4/L5 level, indenting thecal sac. Disc bulge is seen at L3/L4 level indenting tecal sac

There is evidence of disc dessication at L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/S1 levels as loss of signal of nucleus pulposus seen in T2 weighted images.

Small anterior and posterior osteophytes are seen in lumbar vertebrae. No ligamenta flava hypertrophy seen.

Facetal hypertrophy is seen at L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels.

Posterior longitudinal ligamnet id disrupted at L5/S1 level.

Thecal sac is indented at L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1 level, CSF is normal in signal intensity. Distal cord is normal in signal intensity. Conus is normal in place.

Answer
Good Day Jitesh and thank you for writing to me. Firstly I would like to tell you I am genuinely sorry to hear about your pain. I have read over your report and I am happy to be of assistance.
To summarize the important significant facts are the the radiologist has discovered two bilging discs in the second to last and the last disc in your lower back called the lumbar spine.  Also the radiologist has discovered that the last three discs of the lumbar spine are degenerating (thinning) more than what would be considered normal.  In addition to these findings the radiologist has discovered that there are bone spurs (osteophytes) visible in the lumbar spine which are likely associated with the degenerating (thinning) discs. Also the radiologist has noticed that some of the spinal surfaces which normally contact their neighbouring vertebrae are also showing signs of hypertrophy, which is an increase in mineralization and is a common feature of a degenerating spine.

Hope this helps,

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All the best for a healthier new year,

Dr. Ron Nusbaum