How to Read Your Lumbar Spine MRI Report

Common terms

Disc bulge, protrusion, extrusion and stenosis describe different changes in discs or the spinal canal. An MRI report must always be interpreted with your symptoms and examination.

The scan is not the whole diagnosis

Many people have age-related MRI findings without symptoms. Treatment is based on the full clinical picture, not a report line alone.

This article is for general education. For symptoms affecting you, seek advice from a qualified clinician.