Understanding Your MRI Findings

MRI reports can be confusing with medical jargon. Here's what the most common terms actually mean in plain English:

Remember: Many MRI "abnormalities" are normal age-related changes that don't cause symptoms and don't require treatment. Your doctor correlates MRI findings with your symptoms to determine what's relevant.

Disc Bulge

The disc extends slightly beyond the vertebral body edges, like a hamburger wider than the bun. Very common and usually not significant. Present in 30% of people without pain.

Disc Herniation / Disc Extrusion

The inner disc material has pushed through the outer disc wall. This is more significant than a bulge and may compress nerves. Can cause leg or arm pain if pressing on a nerve.

Disc Desiccation / Disc Dehydration

The disc has lost water content (appears dark on MRI). Normal aging process—like gray hair for your spine. Very common after age 30 and often causes no symptoms.

Disc Height Loss

The space between vertebrae has narrowed as the disc thins. Part of normal aging. May or may not cause symptoms.

Annular Tear / Annular Fissure

A crack in the outer disc wall. Can be painful but often heals over time. May allow disc material to herniate through.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve openings. Can be caused by disc bulges, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. May compress nerves causing leg pain or difficulty walking.

Foraminal Stenosis

Narrowing of the holes where nerves exit the spine. Can pinch nerve roots causing arm or leg pain.

Facet Joint Arthritis / Facet Hypertrophy

Arthritis in the small joints at the back of the spine. Like arthritis in any joint—causes stiffness and aching. Very common with aging.

Spondylolisthesis

One vertebra has slipped forward on the vertebra below it. Graded I-IV based on severity. May cause back pain or nerve compression.

Modic Changes

Changes in the bone adjacent to the disc. Type I (inflammation), Type II (fatty replacement), or Type III (sclerosis). May indicate source of pain in some cases.

Nerve Root Impingement / Neural Compression

A nerve is being compressed or irritated. This is usually more significant and may cause leg/arm pain, numbness, or weakness.

Usually Not Serious (Very Common):

• Disc bulges without nerve compression
• Disc desiccation (dehydration)
• Mild disc height loss
• Mild facet arthritis

May Require Treatment:

• Disc herniation with nerve compression
• Moderate to severe spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis causing symptoms
• Nerve root impingement with weakness

Urgent Evaluation Needed:

• Severe spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
• Cauda equina syndrome (multiple nerve roots compressed)
• Spinal infection or tumor
• Unstable fracture