Confusion about MRI results for L5-s1

Posted by justbec2004 @justbec2004, Aug 27, 2025

Please help with mri results. Also can this cause extreme pain in foot.

S1 segment is partially lumbarized with 5 additional nonrib-bearing lumbar type vertebral segments. Last rib-bearing segment labeled as T12. Conus medullaris terminates at L1 with no abnormal intramedullary signal alteration. Moderate endplate degenerative marrow space findings at L5-S1. No discitis osteomyelitis lumbar spine. Common bile duct measures approximately 0.7 cm. This desiccation at L3-L4 through L5-S1.
At T12-L1, no disc bulge, spinal canal stenosis, or neural foraminal stenosis.
At L1-L2, no disc bulge, spinal canal stenosis, or neural foraminal stenosis.
At L2-L3, no disc bulge, spinal canal stenosis, or neural foraminal stenosis.
At L3-L4, no neural foraminal stenosis or spinal canal stenosis. Posterior disc bulge (2 mm AP).
At L4-L5, mild disc height loss. No neural foraminal stenosis. No spinal canal stenosis. Posterior disc bulge (3 mm AP). Mild bilateral facet arthropathy.
At L5-S1, moderate disc height loss. Mild left neural foraminal stenosis. Moderate right neural foraminal stenosis. No significant spinal canal stenosis. Mild/moderate bilateral facet arthropathy. Broad-based posterior disc osteophyte complex (4 mm AP) with finding extending into the bilateral neural foramen.

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linda6101 | @linda6101 | Sep 11, 2025

In reply to @justbec2004 "What do you think of this mri?" + (show)

i HAD THE SAME SURGERY ON L5-S1 AND IT MADE MY PAIN WORSE. I HAD IT DONE 10 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ON NORCO FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE SOME SPINAL STENOSIS AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SPINE. I WOULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT WHAT HE THINKS.

justbec2004 | @justbec2004 | Sep 11, 2025

In reply to @smn1 "justbec2004, What did you Dr. say that was ? A nerve a disc or what?" + (show)

Well first he said I needed a fusion and then another dr said it’s not coming from your back. Then where is it coming from?

ga29 | @ga29 | Sep 12, 2025

In reply to @justbec2004 "They did try 2 epidurals but didn't work. The chiropractor told me he couldn't help me..." + (show)

I think you need a new consultation with a neurosurgeon, and perhaps a visit to a reputable pain management doctor? No one can guarantee that a fusion will remove the pain. My doctor told me to wait until I couldn’t stand the pain, when I first visited years ago. I’m not sure that was good advice. If I had gone earlier, and then been able to stay more active- I might be in better health today. As it was, I became less and less active, and hurt my chances at recovery.
All the best to you, in your search for pain relief. Get it taken care of sooner rather than later!

kenrheal | @kenrheal | Sep 14, 2025

In reply to @linda6101 "i HAD THE SAME SURGERY ON L5-S1 AND IT MADE MY PAIN WORSE. I HAD IT..." + (show)

How old were you when you had your surgery

christine5 | @christine5 | Sep 17, 2025

In reply to @alexis7 "Hi Christine. By your response, I get the impression you've had the left SI joint fused?..." + (show)

Hi Alex
I'm sorry this took so long.
I did have my left sacroiliac, joint fused.I still have some pain, but nothing like it was
I just got told this week that I have to have my right fused. Same symptoms as you even more.
I am going to have it done because it did relieve some pain on the left. I would suggest a neurosurgeon for that operation.
Good luck God bless

Pam | @sidehillpam | Mar 6 1:39pm

I have lower back pain and hip pain only when I stand or walk. Sitting or lying in bed does not hurt. Her are my MRI results any comments?

L1-L2: No disc herniation. Mild bilateral facet joint osteoarthritis. Patent neural foramina. Patent central canal.
L2-L3: Small broad-based disc bulge. Moderate bilateral facet joint osteoarthritis. Mild right neural foraminal stenosis.
Moderate central canal stenosis. Right lateral recess narrowing.
L3-L4: Moderate broad-based disc bulge. Severe bilateral facet joint osteoarthritis. Moderate right and mild left neural
foraminal stenosis. Severe central canal stenosis.
L4-L5: Small broad-based disc bulge. Moderate right and severe left facet joint osteoarthritis. Moderate central canal
stenosis. Narrowing of both lateral recesses.
L5-S1: Minimal broad-based disc bulge. Mild right and moderate- severe left facet joint osteoarthritis. Patent neural foramina and central canal.

smn1 | @smn1 | Mar 8 2:06pm

In reply to @gently "bayhorse, I didn't mean to recommend the doctors, but only the process of getting more opinions..." + (show)

@gently Love this, also nice to know you walk the walk. I may be reaching out to you. To potentially research Epidural Fibrosis. I've been chasing a phantom for 3 years . And feel I'm closing in but a common cause of Failed back Surgery Syndrome. EF seems to me to be intentionally never discussed or dismissed. My eyes are about gone between working on a computer. Studying the varied medical issues required to get answers when none are being offered. As well as other topics I have a personal interest in. Thanks Again for All Your input. Shawn

smn1 | @smn1 | Mar 8 4:42pm

@justbec2004 I'm afraid to ask given my situation... But have you found any resolution to this... Thanks

gently | @gently | Mar 8 6:38pm

Smnl, you've probably seen this https://jss.amegroups.org/article/view/5111/html. The sequence has been noted in the literature since 1999, but, as you say, it probably unaddressed before surgery both in patient consultations and after surgery. May be because of https://www.forthepeople.com/blog/adding-insult-injury-spinal-fusion-lawsuits/ Sometime the sources at the end of journal articles provide good links. https://www.e-jyms.org/journal/view.php
Sometimes the articles are written by people who are treating the injury.
I know what you mean about these darn eyes.
I hope you find answers and relief.