[knk121009]

#8336

I have the MRI report, it reads:
L3-L4, Mild disk buldge seen. No focal disc herniation.
L4-L5, there is circumferential disk buldge with central disc protrusion. There is arthritic change present involving facets. No canal stenosis.
L5-S1, there is central left paracentral disc protrusion. There is narrowing of the left lateral recess and the origin of the left-sided neural foramen. No canal stenosis. Paraspinal soft tissues are intact.

Impressions: Small disc herniations are seen centrally at the L4-L5 level toward the left at the L5-S1 level.

Would I be a candidate for surgery?

Thank you!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#8337

Using an MRI to determine if surgery is necessary without a thorough history and physical examination is not appropriate. There are many MRI findings that look problematic but are asymptomatic. Only findings that correlate with symptoms and findings on physical examination are important (unless there is an obvious pathological finding that stands by itself-rare).

Please see the section “How to describe symptoms” to add some further pieces of the puzzle to this thread.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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