Lumbar Spine - help on understanding MRI scan result

[Pamela16]

I have been suffering from lower back pain since last year and in April 2023, I had an MRI scan and the findings were that at L4-5 there is moderate central canal stenosis caused by degenerated disc, facet joint changes and slightly thickened ligamentum flavum. Exiting nerves are not compresscd. There is a small, broad disc protrusion at L5-S1, no compression of exiting nerves. Conus is at the level ofLI and appears normal. Imaged paravertebral soft tissues are within normal limits.

Conclusion: Central canal narrowing at L4-5 and a broad central disc protrusion at L5 -S1.

In October 2023, I started suffering from pain on the left side of the body - sharp pain in the arm, leg, toes, burning sensation in the heel as well as brain fog. As I suffer from psoriatic arthritis, the GP said it could be a flared up of my arthritis. From February 2024, the pain on the left side of the body from head to toe became more severe and the brain fog lasting longer which resulted in falls. I also started losing control over the bladder. By the way I'm 47 years old. I decided to go to the GP again in April 2024 and was referred for another MRI scan.

The findings this time is as follows:

Comparison is made with previous MRI done on 12/04/2023.

MRI Spine Lumbar and Sacral:

Minimal degenerative changes are noted at L4-L5-SI levels. Vertebral alignmcnt is preserved.

At LI/2, L2/3 and L3/4 levels, no disc lesion or neural compression is noted. At L4/5 level, minimal central/left paracentral disc bulge is touching left L5 nerve

root.

At L5/SI level, left paracentral annular tear and disc bulge is touching left Sl nerve

root.

Spinal canal is developmentally not very capacious at L4 level downwards. Conus medullaris is at normal level.

Straightening of normal lumbar curve appears due to muscle spasm. Paraspinal soft tissues are unremarkable.

Conclusion:

1 Minimal lumbosacral spondylosis, with muscle spasm.

2 Degenerative changes/developmental spinal compromise, touching left L5 and left SI nerve roots.

Please can someone help me with understanding the above as I have requested an appointment with the GP and so far I have not been offered an appointment. The pain is becoming unmanageable.

[Pooch22]

hi there I think you should definitely make a call reference bladder changes as this can be nerve compression possibly and better to chase up a gp or your consultant, that should be advised

[Pamela16 in reply to Pooch22]

Thank you very much for your kind advice. I have now been in contact with my Rheumatologist and he has requested the imaging for the MRI scan and has told me that I have a large disc prolapse and need to be seen by pain clinic Specialist or Surgeon. I did not know I could contact him about it as it was the GP who referred me for the MRI scan. Thank you again for your advice.

[BoneyC]

Given your neurological symptoms, especially bladder control, you need checking out. Maybe go to A&E to avoid further delay.

[Pamela16 in reply to BoneyC]

Thank you. I have been given an appointment with my Rheumatologist at hospital for tomorrow morning and he will discuss the MRI scan results and referral to the pain clinic specialist.