Fuse l4/s1 feb 2014. mri this month: l3/4: there is mild disc desiccation, disc bulge, and posterior annual tear. what does this mean?

Back pain: You are developing breakdown or arthritis at the level above the fusion. The fusion acts as a lever and puts extra stress on the adjacent level. A CT scan of the lumbar spine can determine if the fusion is solid and the hardware is not broken/loose. Arthritis and back pain can occur at the level above the fusion (L3/4) or below the fusion (sacroiliac joints). See your spine surgeon for evaluation.