Question 1

osteophytes at l4-l5 what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Sign of arthritis: U mean l-1, l-2? This is a sign of a degenerative process @ than level in ur spine. They r not always symptomatic. C a spine surgeon if u r symptomatic.

Question 2

what does disc height loss in l4-l5 thru l5-s1 and osteophytes in l4-l5 mean?

Accepted Answer

Entrap roots : Possibly roots can be trapped or spinal space can be stenosed

Question 3

what does mild degenerative changes w end plate sclerosis and ostophytosis at l4and l5 and disk osteophyte complex w probable disk annular calcificati?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis: It describes osteoarthritis at that area of the spine.

Question 4

what is "diffuse disc space narrowing from l1 to l5-s1 with marginal osteophytes arising from the vertebral endplates."?

Accepted Answer

(osteo)arthritis: Whoever ordered xrays and gave you results should have explained results to you (or patient). More important than xray interpretation (no offense intended towards radiology colleagues) is why xray ordered in first place. While xrays may show evidence of arthritis, we treat patient &amp; pain/debility, not xray. Sometimes, there can be lots of pain despite normal xray. Other times, no pain w/coincidenc

Question 5

is this bad?:  moderate degenerative disc disease at l4-l5 and l5-s1, better characterized on the more recent mri. a disc osteophyte complex at l5-s1

Accepted Answer

Degeneration is norm: What you're describing could be the normal process of aging in the lumbar spine. Discs degenerate as we get into our 30's &amp; 40's, but most often, don't cause pain. The disc degeneration is often associated with bone spurs, or osteophytes. Again, this can be normal as we age. Low back pain due to degenerative issues is effectively treated with nonoperative methods - exercise, therapy, OTC meds.

Question 6

can you please explain in layman's terms multilevel disc convertible degenerative changes, most pronounced at l4 l5 where there is disk space narrowing, endplate irregularity, osteophyte formation and facet joint arthrosis?

Accepted Answer

: Your spine consists of multiple “blocks” of bones which support your body to stay erect.  In between each bone is a “cushion” made of a softer material (cartilage).  As we get older portions of this cartilage can protrude out and push on the spinal cord, causing back pain.  “Older” is a relative term - in some it can happen at 35-40, in others at 60-70.

Question 7

i have osteophyte contact of the nerve root at the l5 s1 facet joint also disk degeneration recently i am feeling like the nerve in the anterior porti?

Accepted Answer

Nerve root pain?: Osteophytes are the body's way of spreading out the pressure in an area in which a joint or disc is wearing out.  Sometimes those spurs can irritate nerve roots.  The body often will compensate over time however, if weakness, burning pain and numbness occur then you should seek evaluation and treatment by an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.

Question 8

mri l5-s1 level, posterior spurring identified. osteophyte contacts s1 nerve root. moderate to severe bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis. suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Transforaminal epidu: May try transforaminal epidural inyections(see a pain physician)along with some NSAIDs,however if not better surgery to decompress the foraminal stenosis may be your answer

Question 9

osteophyte formation appears to abut the exiting s1,l5 nerve root. i have back and r leg pain and leg tingling and numbness. what does above mri mean?

Accepted Answer

See details: It means you are compressing that nerve root resulting in radicular pai aka sciatica.  I will generally treat this with a tapering course of prednisone. If that does not help, I would consider PT or targeted injections.

Question 10

my xray result showed minimal lumbar spondylosis l5-s1 with mild disc space narrowing and endplate sclerosis and small ventral osteophytes. meaning?

Accepted Answer

Early degeneration: These are all findings seen in patients with early changes of degenerative arthritis of the spine, which affects about 30 percent of those over 35 and 90 percent of those over 60.  Consider being seen.  Many good treatment options available.

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Doctor answers about:

Early L5 Osteophyte

A member asked:

Osteophytes at l4-l5 what does this mean?

A member asked:

What does disc height loss in l4-l5 thru l5-s1 and osteophytes in l4-l5 mean?

A member asked:

What does mild degenerative changes w end plate sclerosis and ostophytosis at l4and l5 and disk osteophyte complex w probable disk annular calcificati?

A member asked:

What is "diffuse disc space narrowing from l1 to l5-s1 with marginal osteophytes arising from the vertebral endplates."?

A member asked:

Is this bad?: moderate degenerative disc disease at l4-l5 and l5-s1, better characterized on the more recent mri. a disc osteophyte complex at l5-s1

A member asked:

Can you please explain in layman's terms multilevel disc convertible degenerative changes, most pronounced at l4 l5 where there is disk space narrowing, endplate irregularity, osteophyte formation and facet joint arthrosis?

A member asked:

I have osteophyte contact of the nerve root at the l5 s1 facet joint also disk degeneration recently i am feeling like the nerve in the anterior porti?

A member asked:

Mri l5-s1 level, posterior spurring identified. osteophyte contacts s1 nerve root. moderate to severe bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis. suggestions?

A member asked:

Osteophyte formation appears to abut the exiting s1,l5 nerve root. i have back and r leg pain and leg tingling and numbness. what does above mri mean?

A member asked:

My xray result showed minimal lumbar spondylosis l5-s1 with mild disc space narrowing and endplate sclerosis and small ventral osteophytes. meaning?

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