u/Greedy-Bag-3640

https://preview.redd.it/390jpoydya2h1.png?width=1758&format=png&auto=webp&s=b7bbf2cac560a0c1d8af44cc0d46b3b42373171e

The image on the left is new and the image on the right is about 18 months old. I can't tell if the radiologist is sharing a more severe reading of the MRI than is accurate - my doctor was surprised by the written report after looking at the images.

What do you think?

I had Claude review both written reports and share with my a summary comparing the changes:

Multi-level lumbar spine disease, worse than 2023:

• NEW/worsened disc extrusion at L5-S1 (right side) compressing S1 nerve - explains my recent foot symptoms

• ADVANCED foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 right (severe nerve compression)

• Moderate foraminal stenosis at L4-5 left

• Spinal instability - retrolisthesis (vertebral slippage) at L5-S1 and L4-5

• Multiple disc herniations at L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 (though L3-4 and L4-5 improved since 2023)

• Widespread facet arthritis and degenerative disc disease at multiple levels

• Loss of normal lumbar curve

https://preview.redd.it/cgk7r8o4ya2h1.png?width=1758&format=png&auto=webp&s=2e42a16ecea8f01684253cac044f24cf743ffbf2

Here's MRI from this week. Kind of freaking out.

Been dealing with this for years, but clearly things keep getting worse. Haven't spoken to my doctor yet or seen the actual images. Two herniations actually improved since my last scan, but some brand new mess in here too.

I'm 42, been active weightlifter. Been seeing a PT who convinced me I was strong enough to start working on squats again and I had a flare up with 20lbs on the bar. Seems like every inch of my spine has an injury at this point.

Narrative & Impression Impression:

1. Transitional type anatomy. If intervention is considered, correlation with radiographs recommended
2. Multilevel facet arthrosis and degenerative disc disease with several disc herniations, as described below.
3. Mild spinal stenosis at L3-4.
4. Multilevel moderate to advanced foraminal stenosis, as described below. Clinical Indication: Radiculopathy, scoliosis Comparison: 05/29/2025 Technique: Multiplanar, multisequence MRI of the lumbar spine was performed.

Findings: Transitional type anatomy. For purposes of the study, the transitional segment at the lumbosacral junction is labeled as a partially lumbarized S1. If intervention is considered, correlation with radiographs recommended. Straightening of the normal lumbar spine lordosis.

Grade 1 retrolisthesis of L5 on S1. Trace retrolisthesis of L4 on L5. No acute fracture.

Probable intraosseous hemangioma at S1. Concavity and Schmorl node development along the endplates at multiple levels.

L1-2: Moderate disc desiccation. Moderate spondylotic change. Mild disc bulge. Minimal central canal narrowing.

L2-3: Mild facet arthrosis. Mild spondylotic change. Mild annular bulge. Mild left foraminal narrowing.

L3-4: Mild-to-moderate disc desiccation. Moderate spondylotic change. Bilateral facet arthrosis.

Disc bulge and endplate spurring with leftward predominance. Shallow inferior disc extrusion with left paracentral predominance. Mild spinal stenosis. Mild left lateral recess narrowing.

Mild foraminal stenosis, left-greater-than-right.

Previously noted disc herniation at this level improved since the prior L4-5: Moderate disc desiccation. Moderate spondylotic change. Bilateral facet arthrosis. Disc bulge and endplate spurring with leftward predominance. Minimal central canal narrowing.

Moderate left foraminal stenosis. Mild-to-moderate right foraminal stenosis. Previously noted disc herniation at this level improved since the prior. L5-S1: Mild-to-moderate disc desiccation.

Moderate spondylotic change. Bilateral facet arthrosis. Rightward predominant disc osteophyte complex. Shallow broad-based rightward predominant inferior disc extrusion.

Mild right lateral recess narrowing. Moderate to advanced right foraminal stenosis. Mild-to-moderate left foraminal stenosis. S1-2: Transitional type anatomy. Diminutive intervertebral disc. No disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

Got my MRI results on a CD. Haven't had a computer with a CD drive for quite a while so not sure how to access this.

Libraries? I don't know if libraries allow you to connect a disc to their computers. Any coffee shops?

Heading there tonight! Looks like a bunch of new dumplings on the menu. Curious if anyone has been here and has tried any of the more expensive dumplings. Crab roe, uni, wagyu, etc. Look interesting but would love to know if it's worth the price.