Hi Dr. Grief, I had a Lumbar spine MRI done today for lower back and leg pain. My report states that L5-S1: Grade 1 retrolisthesis. Minimal disc bulge without significant canal stenosis. Mild right and moderate left foraminal stenosis. Can please explain to me what this means?
Hello Thanks for writing to according to report, you are suffering from mild degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine. Degenerative changes occur in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis.1. At L5-S1 level, there is grade 1 retrolisthesis(means posterior movement of S1 vertebra) and minimal disc bulge without significant central canal stenosis. Disc bulge is causing mild right and moderate left neural foramen stenosis. Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy, so physiotherapy should be tried first. Surgery should be the last option. There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief. Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurosurgeon. Get well soon. Take Care Chat Doctor. 