Understanding Your Spine MRI Report
Spine MRI reports are full of technical terms that can sound alarming, but many of them describe normal, age-related changes that may have nothing to do with your pain. Here is a plain-language guide to what some of the most common findings mean. Just as important: a report does not tell you what is causing your symptoms. Only an evaluation of the actual images, alongside your history and exam, can do that.
Why the report isn't the whole story
An MRI is a powerful tool, but it shows the structure of your spine, not your pain. Studies have repeatedly found that many people with no symptoms at all have bulging discs, disc degeneration, and arthritis on their scans. That means a finding on your report is not automatically the cause of your problem.
This is why Dr. Chavarria reviews the actual images with you, alongside your history and a physical exam, rather than treating the written report alone. The goal is to figure out which findings, if any, actually explain your symptoms, so you get the right plan and avoid treatment you don't need.
Common MRI terms, in plain language
General explanations of frequently seen findings. Remember, seeing a term on your report does not mean it is causing your symptoms.
Disc desiccation
The disc has lost some of its water content and dried out slightly. This is one of the most common findings on a spine MRI and is a normal part of aging, it often causes no symptoms at all.
Disc bulge
The disc extends a little beyond its normal border in a broad, even way. Bulges are extremely common and are frequently seen on the MRIs of people who have no back or neck pain whatsoever.
Disc herniation (protrusion / extrusion)
A portion of the disc's soft inner material has pushed out through the tougher outer wall. A herniation can press on a nearby nerve and cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but many herniations shrink and improve on their own over weeks to months.
Annular tear / annular fissure
A small tear in the tough outer ring of the disc. These are common, can be part of normal wear, and may or may not be a source of pain.
Foraminal stenosis (narrowing)
Narrowing of the small openings where nerve roots exit the spine. Depending on how much narrowing there is, it may pinch a nerve, or it may cause no symptoms. Reports often grade it mild, moderate, or severe.
Central canal stenosis
Narrowing of the main spinal canal that houses the spinal cord and nerves. It becomes more common with age, and whether it causes symptoms depends on the degree of narrowing and the individual.
Spondylosis
A general term for age-related wear and arthritis of the spine, essentially 'spinal aging.' Nearly everyone develops some spondylosis over time, and it is often not the cause of a person's pain.
Facet arthropathy (facet arthritis)
Arthritis of the small paired joints at the back of each spinal segment. Very common with age and frequently seen alongside other degenerative changes.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra has slipped forward relative to the one below it. Some slips are stable and cause no symptoms, while others can contribute to back or leg pain, it depends on the degree and whether nerves are affected.
Osteophytes (bone spurs)
Small bony growths that form as a response to wear over time. They are common with age and are not necessarily a source of pain.
Modic changes
Changes in the bone next to a disc that show up on MRI, associated with disc degeneration. Their exact significance is still debated among specialists.
Some findings are more significant than others, which is exactly why an expert review matters. If your report mentions something that worries you, the best next step is to have it explained in the context of your symptoms.
What to do next
If you have back or neck pain and an MRI, the most useful next step is an evaluation with a spine specialist who can review the actual images with you. Dr. Chavarria is conservative-first: most spine problems are treated without surgery, and an operation is recommended only when it is clearly the best option.
When you come in, bring the actual images (on a disc or in digital format), not just the written report, so he can go through them with you.
This page provides general educational information only. It is not medical advice, does not interpret any individual's imaging, and does not create a physician-patient relationship. Consult a qualified physician for evaluation of your specific condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a herniated or bulging disc on my MRI mean I need surgery?
Are these findings normal, or should I be worried?
Why does my report sound so alarming?
Why does Dr. Chavarria want the actual images, not just the report?
Have an MRI? Let's review it together.
Dr. Chavarria will review your images and history and give you an honest, clearly explained assessment of your options, surgical and non-surgical. Serving Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Northern Nevada.